DECEMBER is upon us and with everything that has been going on, I feel I’m going to do the biggest festive round up. Without getting political, it’s never been more important to support our local traders who have been forced to close in recent weeks and who, with only with a few days left until Christmas, will have to struggle now to catch up.

Frankly, this very odd and unexpected year encourages me to want to make the most out of Christmas, and Malton has got plenty of treats for you.

First of all, as lockdown eases, I’m so keen to get into Kemps, this general store and independent book shop has a host of stocking fillers and present ideas.

Their new emporium, like the excellent Cosy Cottage Soap Company next door, has so many wonderful presents to choose from. Both opened recently (just before the lockdown!) and are highly recommended.

And the same is true of the superb Tallboy Interiors, run by the energetic master of antiques Matt Dixon. He’s got so many wonderful pieces to brighten our homes this Christmas - a wander around his huge showroom in Saville Street is a must.

As always though my heart lies with food and Malton will not disappoint. Derek Fox’s 3 bird roast, a “Yorkshire Pot” is obviously a standout and I know Paul Potts will have some wonderful joints of meat at Food 2 Remember too.

Personally, I am a roast goose fan, but marital compromise means we go for a turkey. Leg meat for me please.

I’ve been getting into wood pellet grills recently so if Father Christmas comes early then I might even try to smoke my turkey in the American style. A mistake perhaps but it looks tempting.

In Talbot Yard there are sweet treats galore and I will certainly be stocking up on Rare Bird Gin. Their Rhubarb and Ginger Gin is the perfect winter warmer and goes brilliantly with a dash of Rhucello Rhubarb Liqueur (available from McMillan’s) and vermouth to make a hastily invented “Yorkshire Negroni”.

Gelato comes in all forms this Christmas with Groovy Moo’s take home tubs. How can one resist their amaretto, white chocolate, or mince pie gelato? The answer is you can’t, and you shouldn’t even try.

Florian Poirot will no doubt be wowing us with more incredible edible creations (I will report back on my Instagram) but as always, his chocolates and macaroons are the happiest of gifts.

Roost Coffee and Brass Castle Brewery will keep you suitably perky over the long festive run and nothing says Yorkshire Christmas better than Malton Brewery’s Yorkshire Pudding Beer.

Elsewhere in town, Malton is bursting at the seams this year with seasonal food to wow your family and friends: there’s the cheese counter and figgy puddings at Malton Relish, an amazing display of sweet treats at The Patisserie, YO Bakehouse and Costello’s, plus top veggie bites from The Purple Carrot.

I have given you a small taster of what’s on offer in Malton, there’s more to discover on our website (visitmalton.com) where there’s a burgeoning directory of independent shops. So, get out there, socially distanced, of course, and enjoy Malton’s warmest welcome this Christmas. Our traders can’t wait to see you.