ACROSS the borough, many people have already put up their Christmas decorations to spread cheer despite the grim lockdown reality.

A number of households have retrieved their trees, plugged in their lights, and dusted off their traditional pieces to create a festive scene

Many homes are entering their second week with the seasonal decorations – which are usually not displayed until December 1.

Gary and Helen May have decked out their Harwood home, creating a festive winter scene in their front garden.

The Lee family in Horwich put up their tree in the middle of November – giving them a festive boost to get through lockdown.

Jan Ascroft and her husband Alan also decorated their Westhoughton home.

Mrs Ascroft said: “Christmas has reached the Ascroft house.

“We needed some cheering up after all this Covid-19 pandemic, and it definitely has brought us happiness.”

Last week, The Bolton News spoke to Paul Haley, who runs Paul Haley Christmas Trees on Bradshaw Road, who said more people than ever had been in touch to get their hands on a real tree.

Usually the trees would go on sale this weekend, the last in November, but so many people called asking to buy one that sales began last weekend.

“Everybody seems desperate to get a tree, “ said Mr Haley. “They are getting them to keep the kids happy - to give a feeling of Christmas rather the the feeling of doom and gloom.”

Mum-of-two Victoria Worley worked with her children, six-year-old Jacob and four-month-old Rosie, to put up their family tree – all ready for Rosie’s first Christmas.

Caroline Ashkboos also put up her tree with her son, five-year-old Josh, dressed as one of Santa’s elves.

For Courtney Lomax, putting up the tree this year was particularly special – as her and her partner look forward to spending their first Christmas in their own home.

With tier 3 coronavirus restrictions making it difficult to plan Christmas get-togethers with friends or extended family, many people are looking to make special memories with their household this year.