Happy December 1, the countdown is well and truly on for the big day.
But if you’re not feeling all that magical, fear not.
We’ve got you covered after a very special chat with Aberdeen’s answer to Mrs Christmas.
No tree is too big or candy cane too small, Iris McArthur is the woman for the job.
The self-confessed Christmas-mad mum has had her tree up since last month, or should we say just one of several leafy specimens which can be found within her home at Insch, Aberdeenshire.
Aside from an impressive love for all things Santa-related, Iris has turned her passion into a job.
And her eye for all things twinkling means Iris is now in demand, and she is responsible for many a beautiful display across the Granite City.
Managing Director of The Christmas Decorators Aberdeen, Iris’s work takes her all over the north-east, both city and shire.
We caught up with her and found out why this really is the most magical time of the year.
“Prior to moving here, we were living in Dubai where we had a jewellery business and my husband also worked in project management,” said Iris.
“We came to Aberdeen last November.”
The services offered by The Christmas Decorators include both commercial and residential, and can range from exterior lighting to festive touches inside.
“We were recently involved with Peterhead Prison Museum which was really cool, and we’ve also done Paramount Bar in Aberdeen,” said Iris.
“We offer bespoke decorating.
“The concept is fairly new, particularly in Aberdeenshire but the demand is very much there.
“I think that’s partly due to social media, where you see everyone else’s picture-perfect decor.
“Then you start getting your own ideas.”
Iris creates mood boards for customers, but one of her key aims is to try and match the interior from the onset.
“Say I’m decorating somebody’s house, I put together a mood board of things which will match the decor that is already there,” she said.
But where does Iris’s love of the festive spirit come from in the first place?
“I’ve always loved Christmas, ever since I was a little kid,” she said.
“My brother was born in December, so when my mum was heavily pregnant and not able to put the Christmas tree up.
“I was nine, and I was put in charge so you could say it stemmed from there.
“I go into Christmas mode in November, but it’s not just about the tree for me.
“It’s about decorating the whole house, and it takes a pretty long time.
“It gives me so much happiness though.
“My husband is a bit of a Grinch, but even he appreciates what I do.”
Iris has four members of staff, or should we say elves, to help her spread some Christmas magic.
But what are the dos and don’ts in getting the dream festive look?
Tinsel and paperchains are a big no in eyes, they are so old school,” said Iris.
“I think you can do so much more with some beautiful ribbon.
“I’m also a huge fan of deco mesh.
“It comes in a roll and you can mould it to the tree, it’s a very cost-effective way of decorating.”
But to settle the biggest debate of all, real or fake in the tree department?
Mrs Christmas has spoken and the answer might surprise you.
“I have always been a lover of a fake tree, maybe because I like my tree to look perfect,” said Iris.
“When it comes to baubles, my advice would be that you need baubles of different textures and sizes.
“This adds element and depth, then you can take your ribbon and create nice big loops.
“I don’t have just one tree in my own home either.
“My kids have their own tree which they style themselves, they have clearly taken after me.
“I just have such a big passion for Christmas, I think I always will.”
You can follow Iris and her tinsel-free adventures on Instagram.
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