The Laboratory

Our neighbours have started to put their Christmas lights on, but it's all a bit low-key at the minute. In Zurich, Switzerland, however there are no holds barred. The switching on of what they like to call “Lucy” heralds the start of the Advent season. People gather to see the 23,000 light crystals shine out for the first time, spread over a distance of 1km. These lights on Lowenplatz are made from recycled bottles: Fortunately our Advent Calendars arrived in the post yesterday, so we can share with you the amazing goodness and value of Chocolates Direct, the one-stop supplier for all your chocolate needs ( https://www.chocolatesdirect.co.uk/ ) For Sarah, Jelly Belly, and for Adam, Niederegger marzipan from Lübeck, Germany

We're delighted that our neighbours have put their Christmas lights up! Woking has become a blaze of colour already and some houses go the whole hog. Round the corner is this amazing house with a special penguin display. I don't think we'd have the nerve (or the electricity bill!).