I'm all for a bit of eccentricity – how dull life would be without it. There are plenty of eccentric people and customs in Yorkshire – at this time of year they’re partial to a bit of Scroggling the Holly in Haworth.

The word scroggling always makes me laugh. Although it has been patiently explained to me that it means the custom of gathering holly, I still don’t understand where the word itself comes from, so I decided to try to find out.

According to dictionary.co.uk, scroggling is a traditional custom localised to Haworth; while according to Wikipedia, it’s an ‘annual holly gathering event which has no traditional basis. The name, sometimes claimed to have its origin in the local dialect, is also a modern invention’.

Whatever it means, say ‘bah humbug’ to the recession and head for Haworth, which next weekend launches its glittering build-up to Christmas, organised by the village traders’ association.

While you’re there, you can enjoy looking round the souvenir and antiquarian bookshops, visit the Bronte Parsonage, take a ride on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway or ramble along the numerous footpaths leading out of the village, including the most famous walk which leads to the Bronte Stone Chair.

As the country fills up with goodwill and merriment, share in festivities which are a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern Christmas shopping. You could do it every weekend until December 20, joining the thousands of visitors from around the country on day and weekend trips.

Next Saturday is the official start of the Christmas festive season in Haworth – Scroggleve, when youngsters dressed as goblins and fairies will be spreading pixie dust with holly princes, ivy princesses and attendants handing out sprigs of holly bow-tied with ribbons.

On Sunday, bands and Morris Men will lead a procession of children up the cobbled Main Street to the crowning of the Holly Queen on the steps of St Michael’s and All Angels’ Church. The Holly Queen will then unlock the church gates to invite the spirit of Christmas into Haworth, with Santa and Mrs Claus arriving with glad tidings and Christmas cheer for all.

The following weekend, you can check out the local shops and stalls for unique Christmas gifts, crafts and local produce with the Christmas Market Weekend. This is the perfect time to enjoy the atmosphere of a typical Victorian festive market, with bands, choirs, fairground organ and jugglers.

Pipes, Bows and Bells Weekend from November 28 is a celebration of music and dance, with a marching pipe band in tartan attire. Local Morris Men will perform their seasonal dances, with carol singers and street entertainers adding to the festive atmosphere from 11am. It’s a great time to de-stress while indulging in a little retail therapy.

The next weekend, you can experience the magic of pantomime at Christmas, with many of your favourite panto characters in the shops on Main Street. You don’t have to just watch it – you can join the many visitors and dress up to take part in the parade. There are prizes for the best dressed characters.

Highlight of the countdown will be the famous Torchlight Weekend, which will be launched by a lantern parade on Saturday, December 12. Children and adults are invited to join in the procession up Main Street, carrying home-made lanterns.

The following evening, from about 5pm, the Christmas procession will be shedding a magical glow on the surroundings. People should gather at the bottom of Main Street, ready for the procession as the sun sets and Main Street glows with the light from hundreds of torches reflecting off the cobbles. To bring the evening to a suitable conclusion, you can join the traditional carol service at St Michael’s Church.

The torchlight procession started more than 25 years ago with only half-a-dozen or so shopkeepers. When residents and visitors saw it, the event gained in popularity, growing year by year.

The final festive weekend in Haworth reflects the true spirit of Christmas with the Nativity procession. Mary and Joseph will wend their way up Main Street, looking for an inn for the night. Children and local choirs will then join together to help create the real meaning and magic of Christmas.