THIS month marks the advent of the Christmas season. I am writing this month’s column amongst a deluge of wrapping paper and Christmas decorations.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas lights switch-on in Halesowen Town Centre.

Local schoolgirl Nancy Day switched on the Christmas lights at the culmination of a day of festivities ably organised by the Halesowen BID and presided over by the Mayor, Cllr Hilary Bills.

This year marks my first Christmas card competition.

I invited each of the primary schools in the constituency to ask their children to create a Christmas card to be my ‘official’ Christmas card this year. I have been overwhelmed by the response!

The children of Halesowen have risen to the challenge and my office has been inundated with their creations. Some glittery. Some a bit sticky.

But all of them joyful and full of Christmas spirit.

Some parents may have got a bit carried away with some of the more elaborate entries, and another card bore the ominous greeting “I’m watching you”! I love them all.

This year’s winner is Jake Hare from Huntingtree Primary School whose Christmas Card reminds me of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. I’m sure that we can expect great things from Jake in the future!

The winning design The winning design (Image: Handout)

Jake will be receiving a bit of chocolate and some House of Commons merchandise for his troubles.

I will be busy in Parliament representing our town right up until the Christmas break.

This year has certainly been a busy one for me, and I am grateful for the trust that you placed in me to be your representative back in July.

As Christmas approaches, I’m looking forward to being able to spend more time at home with family and friends… I even have some carol singing scheduled in my diary.

I wish everybody a very happy Christmas and New Year.