As we reach the end of 2012, the bicentennial year of Charles Dickens’ birth, we’re in the true Dickensian season: there’s hoar frost on the trees and people are scurrying through the city’s streets desperate to reach a cosy corner. If Dickens is the man for putting you in the mood for the festive season, there’s plenty for you to enjoy right now.

1. The Charles Dickens Museum has reopened after months of revamping. Check out costumes from adaptations, photos and personal items against the backdrop of the home where he wrote Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby.

2. I’ve visited Rochester in December in years gone by, one year getting literally caught up in the Dickens Christmas Festival. The streets of the town throng with fans dressed up in period costume or impersonating one of the great man’s characters for the candlelit parade and carol singing. There’s even a Mistletoe ball…

3. Still have some halls to bedeck? Visit Liberty’s Christmas shop for some yuletide decoration inspiration. They’ve handily grouped their baubles and stockings into ‘Dickensian’ and ‘Miss Havisham’ themes.

Lesley Crooks, Sales & Digital Manager