You can tell this without even looking at a calendar. Here are the signs (no need to thank us).
5. Even though it's still November, certain homes have already been lit up for weeks
Planes may be diverted by such neon delights. Nevertheless, it gives the rest of us the opportunity to say: 'That's ridiculous. It's only November. What possesses people to ... etc. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Mulled wine galore!
No connoisseur knows of any wine that can't be improved by a good mulling. The rest of us can pretend to like it because it's Christmassy, which is definitely a real word, despite what the spell checker on this machine may say. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Women on Christmas nights out will wear coats
Joke, not really. Young North East women are famously oblivious to cold and will continue to wear short, sleeveless dresses. However, as a concession to minus temperatures they may go as far as folding their arms, or even walking quicker between pubs. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Christmas jumpers take over the pub
Luckily Christmas jumpers are unfailingly hilarious and the joke is in no way becoming painfully thinner by the year. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Sunderland Echo