IT IS time to get into the spirit of Christmas once again putting-up tinsel, trees and twinkling lights.

Whether you gasp in delight or cringe at over-the-top, external Christmas lights, the increasing popularity of celebrating the festive season in this way shows the trend is here to stay.

And it is not only lights which are so prominently displayed outside houses at this time of year manufacturers have reported a huge surge in demand for items such as inflatable snowmen and Father Christmas figures made of fibreglass to be used as parts of the enthusiasts' display.

In fact, decorating a house in this way has become so popular, a website dedicated to houseblingers and their admirers has been launched.

Houseblinger.com is a haven for enthusiasts who want to talk about all things twinkly.

It gives people links to where they can buy their lights, answers questions and gives advice on how to take the best photographs of a lit-up home.

It even hosts the Blinger Awards, where people can send in pictures to be nominated for the most over-the-top festive houses.

But if you're thinking of decorating the outside of your home and entering, it is worth bearing in mind not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for house-blinging.

One resident in Berkshire caused such a stir with his charity lights' display, local residents offered to pay him to forgo his lighting this year as they believed his display caused a wave of violence and anti-social behaviour.