Yes, it’s that time of the year again when cities all around the world hang up their uniform grey and slip on their sparkly Christmas frocks, ready to paint the town green, red and gold. My own fair city of Edinburgh has once again outdone itself with a dazzling spectacle of twinkly baubles that could rival Beyonce’s wardrobe.

Normally I love wandering around the Christmas market stalls, breathing in the glorious smells of crepes and German sausage, my cheeks aglow from the mug of Gluhwein I...