A WEAVERHAM family are the first people to enter the Guardian competition to find the most Christmassy house in Northwich, Winsford or Middlewich.

The lights have been put up at Amanda Sayle's home, in The Crescent, Weaverham, to continue a tradition started 15 years ago by her father Derrick, who died last year.

Amanda said: "We are doing it for my dad because he loved Christmas."

Dark December nights are brightened across the nation, following a tradition, which began in pagan times.

The pre-Christian festival most closely associated with Christmas was the Roman Saturnalia, which honoured the harvest god Saturn on December 19. Trees were hung with trinkets and candles and there were seven days of merrymaking and feasting.

At the same time in northern Europe a winter festival known as Yule saw giant logs, trimmed with greenery and ribbons, burnt in honour of the gods, to encourage the sun to shine more brightly.

The Christian Church absorbed these customs and added the nativity crib and Christmas carols. By the time the Puritans banned Christmas in 1552, lavish feasting had also become a custom.

Although Christmas returned to England in 1660 with Charles II, the rituals all but died out until revived in Victorian times, with the addition of the Christmas tree.

Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, is credited with decorating the first English Christmas Tree with candles, candies, fruits, and gingerbread.

To celebrate the increasing number of people who light up their homes, inside and out, the Guardian will be giving away a £25 voucher, courtesy of Weaver Vale Garden Centre, to the house that really conjures up the spirit of Christmas.

So, get the lights and decorations out and contact us at 15 Market Street, Northwich, CW9 5DT or telephone 10606 43333.

The closing date is on Monday, December 15 and the winner will be announced in the paper on Wednesday, December 24. Usual Newsquest rules apply and the editor's decision is final.

ecummins@guardiangrp.co.uk