THE countdown to Christmas Day may have already begun for thousands of shoppers in Uxbridge.

According to research by intu Uxbridge, shops putting up lights and decorations or starting to play Christmas music now marks the beginning of the season for a quarter of people in the town.

intu’s research also found that, for almost half of Uxbridge shoppers, hitting the shops with their festive list heralds the beginning of the season, with a quarter feeling even more festive when Christmas adverts start appearing on screen.

At intu Uxbridge, the season will begin on November 19 with the town parade and lights switch-on, swiftly followed by the intu Christmas Experience opening on November 25.

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In Uxbridge, 22 per cent believe festive-themed drinks and cups or Christmas sandwiches appearing in shops are the biggest signs the big day is approaching.

Restaurants introducing Christmas menus, along with mince pies and selection boxes hitting supermarket shelves were seen as other important festive markers.

Top ten signs:

  1. Decorating a Christmas tree
  2. Shops put up lights and decorations and start playing Christmas music
  3. Christmas adverts start airing
  4. Opening the first door of an advent calendar
  5. Going Christmas shopping for the first time
  6. Christmas coffee menus and sandwiches go on sale
  7. Mince pies go on sale
  8. Restaurants introduce Christmas menus
  9. Christmas selection boxes go on sale
  10. Black Friday