"...shops have made rather a pathetic attempt at Christmas decorations this year. Considering they are all supposed to be struggling and keen for our trade, they really have not made a lot of effort."

Blimey. That's rather harsh.

Personally i support the local shops i want to support and i do it all year round, not just at Christmas. It isn't going to make a blind bit of difference to me if it's got a load of tinsel, glitter and baubles hanging off it, if i need it/want it i'll buy it anyway....but then i'm not one for over the top Christmas excess and tacky sparkle, so maybe that's just me. I think the stylish little trees outside a lot of the shops in Forest Hill this festive season looked rather classy, actually...