DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN

Our columnist has her say on Christmas adverts, glassy hair and IVF work leave

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The good, the bad and the frankly scary

Nothing says it's nearly Christmas more than the Nativity scene in your local church, carol singers on the high street and a fervent wish for peace on Earth.

Oh wait. Sorry. Meant to write that nothing says it’s nearly Christmas more than wall-to-wall TV adverts selling the perfectly packaged festive feast of gifts and grub.

It starts with the big two going head-to-head - John Lewis and M&S. A battle that's become so iconic it makes headlines. Seriously, how many other advertising campaigns make national news bulletins?

We end up talking about them until the adverts for January sales take over and full confession, I must admit that I think this year's John Lewis ad is a cracker. A nostalgic trip down clubbing memory lane for a middle-aged dad with vinyl gifted by his teenage son.

The music - Where Love Lives by Alison Limerick from 1990 - is wonderful, with the modern-day version by Labrinth nearly as good.