The shops are a packed, festive parties dominate the week, and the hangovers are coming thick and fast. Yes my friends, Christmas season is well and truly under way.
Experiencing how most people 'do' this time of year is a novelty for me, as for the first time in yonks (literally 15 years!) I've taken a well needed rest from the annual marathon that is Panto, and am instead thoroughly enjoying the other side of 'curtain' by attending some of the best showbiz bashes on offer. So this week, I was delighted to get dolled up and enjoy, not one, but two of biggest film premieres this season.
But before I get to all that, it's been a busy week in Celebrity Baby-Land, with the former Mr 'Cheryl' - footballer Ashley Cole - announcing he is to become a Dad in the New Year. Super suave sugar daddy rocker Ronnie Wood is also adding to is brood with twins, and of course, unless you've spent the week in a concrete bunker, you'll have heard the news that 'Kimye' have finally had their much anticipated second baby!
A little boy was born to reality star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West this week, and in true celeb style, the announcement was made to Kim's 30 million or so Twitter followers. A rather touching picture of the second time new mum and dad holding hands, was posted online with the simple words, 'he's here'.
This was followed by a series of emojis depicting the now family of 4, with the much speculated name for the little lad.... Not one to go the traditional route, big sister North now has a little brother called Saint. And you know what, I kinda like it.
It's an unusual name, and typical of the superstar couple to pick a 'worthy' moniker, but it's actually rather sweet. Whatever anyone's opinions, it matters not, and I'm sure with their brood (and fortune) growing by the year, Kimye couldn't give a damn.
What to Read Next
And so onto my celebrity spotting this week. I was privileged to attend the movie premiere of Eddie Redmayne's new flick, The Danish Girl. London's festive Leicester Square played host to the event, with a humongous red carpet and excited fans all jostling for some Eddie attention.
Sporting a snazzy red checked suit and accompanied by his wife, a petite Redmayne casually and confidentially worked the red carpet, chatting to reporters and fans alike. A humble and extremely likeable chap, his star really does keep rising and rising, and when you see this movie, you can understand why!
Accompanied by his co-star Alicia Vikander, both stars clearly enjoyed the fruits of their labour by mingling with their colleagues and fellow cast members, such as Bond star Ben Whishaw and Johnny Depp's missus, Amber Heard.
The film, if you're unfamiliar with the plot, follows the story of 1920s transgender pioneer Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe. It's a story of change and acceptance, and also overwhelmingly about love - the unchanging all accepting love of a person, regardless of their outer appearance. It's powerful stuff. You could have heard a pin drop in the Odeon as both actors acted their socks off, and the 5 minute applause as the credits started to roll was more than justified.
Both Vikander and Redmayne are set to receive several awards nominations for their extraordinary efforts, and I for one will be cheering them both on. Acting at its finest - and Redmayne in particular should be credited for his impressive and convincing transformation.
And on the complete flipside, 24 hours later I attended the UK premiere of Christmas comedy Daddy's Home, starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Both Hollywood megastars flew over to meet and greet their fans, and both enjoyed some well placed banter chatting to the guests inside the screening....Ferrell didn't want to leave and seemed to enjoy the good natured heckling being thrown his way.
The Anchorman star plays up to his goofball geek status in this funny film about two Dads battling it out for their kids' affections. It's harmless, laugh out loud fun. Even my husband - who normally prefers action thrillers - was chuckling his way through it, particularly during a certain dance scene.
Daddy's Home is out on Boxing Day, and take it from me, it'll be a tenner well spent for some Crimbo family fun.
