Christmas-mad mum who starts celebrating in October reveals how she saves hundreds on presents

With summer still in full swing, the mere thought of Christmas is yet to enter most of our minds – except for one mum.

Holly Brailsford loves the festive spirit so much she plans all year round to ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day.

Not only will she have her presents all ready, she’ll also book events and plan dinners five months in advance so her family have a perfect December 25.

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The 38-year-old has even convinced her local pub to open their festive bookings early so she can reserve a spot on Christmas Eve.

Thanks to a family tradition started by her dad Noel in 1993, the mum-of-one and her family even celebrate Christmas together in October.

“In the first Sunday of October when I was growing up we’d have Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and Christmas music,” Holly, 38, explains. “People would ring the house and ask, ‘Why can I hear Slade playing in the background?’

“We’re just a very festive family. It was just a fun thing to do, and started when we were younger with just playing a bit of Christmas music - and then every year it just got bigger and bigger, now with jumpers, crackers and small gifts.

“My dad has since passed away and we’ve picked up the baton and take turns hosting it. Friends will text saying ‘Happy Whitman Christmas’. It’s a whole thing.”

Holly, from Chorley in Lancashire, says she is able to save more than £200 each year just by booking Christmas events through early-bird deals and summer sales.

In a bid to keep present costs down, the mum says she “keeps an ear out” all year for products that her friends and family mention they would like.

That way, she has time to