I wanted to take my niece Christmas shopping and as I'm not in London the next 2 Fridays and the one after is the last one before Christmas, today seemed like a good day.

Except I hadn't counted on the UK stupidly adopting the 'Black Friday' tradition from America- idiots fighting over TVs and all.

Thankfully we headed out at the right time- too late for early morning fist-fights and too early for after-work scuffles.

Ignoring the crowds it was the first year in a long time that the Christmas lights and shop decorations have been so lovely. For a long time now they've been given over to a commercial theme based on adverts for the latest blockbuster film or soft-drink but these year bright lights captivated and shop windows were colourful and fun. Even the penguin tie-ins were worth a visit as they were humorous and fun.