The Measure: what's hot and what's not

Thumbs up for Hogan wedge trainers and Tom Dixon's sleek nutcracker; thumbs down for Advent calendars and retro sherry

Going up

'December will be magic' This year, we're switching festive kitchen dancing from Mariah leg-kicks to vintage Kate Bush ethereal swooshing.

Burberry hound sweater Santa, are you listening? We really have been very, very good.

Katie Grand for Hogan The wedge trainers in the new collection are, frankly, awesome. Bookmark for your January payday treat.

Fancy things that are useful Tom Dixon's cast-iron nutcracker is a prize example. It's gold, black, sleek, £45, and cracks a walnut to perfection.

St Tropez everyday moisturiser A lifeline to looking a lot less terrible than we otherwise would right now.

GOING DOWN

Advent calendars They're just empty windows where the chocolate used to be.

Downton going off-message at Christmas A Christmas Day special based around summer in the Highlands? Where's the festive cheer in that?

Loungewear Fancy pyjamas – burgundy M&S for the chaps; paisley Topshop for the ladies – are the only Elf-watching uniform this Christmas Eve.

Sherry One retro step too far. Let's stick with kir royales, shall we? Cheers!