Halloween is big business these days, with shops using it as an opportunity to boost sales before Christmas. You may curse the commercialisation, but in truth, the origins are really interesting and part of our own heritage. In fact it’s part of much older traditions...

On one of my rare trips into town last week, I saw displays of Christmas crackers in TJ Hughes and was surprised - and a little shocked! - that it’s time to start thinking about the festive season already. To be honest, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Christmas...