The Snowman at Fenwick's window 2018, etiquette and why I hate people who push in

Visiting Fenwick's Christmas Window is a tradition most families around the North East will carry out across the festive season and this year's window is nice and traditional - The Snowman. We tend to visit on launch night but couldn't make it this year so instead, visited on opening weekend. Perfectly paired with a trip to see Santa on Fenwick's Rooftop.

Oh my days....how much have my children grown since I first blogged about Fenwick's Window in 2013?

If you visit Fenwick's Window on a weekend, there's going to be a bit of a queue. It's never too long and it goes down pretty quickly. You can hear the festive music coming from the window and I think waiting in line really builds the anticipation.

We joined the queue and were at the front in no time which is when a lady with a pushchair decided to barge in front of us! I thought she might be taking a quick snap and although annoying, just gritted my teeth but no she started walking the whole length of the window with her three kids. They were right up against the window and taking up loads of space - literally standing right in front of my own children who had been queuing and could now not get close to the window.

Now I did feel a bit mean but visiting Fenwick's Window is a BIG tradition for us and why should my children not be able to get a close look after waiting in line because somebody else has decided to push in and block their view? I am usually quite a shy person but decided to challenge the lady in question and asked why she'd pushed in. I understand there may be legitimate or medical reasons which I'd be cool with but she just replied that she couldn't be bothered to queue!!!! How annoying! I asked her to move and she did but she just moved up the queue a bit and did the exact same thing to two dads who were viewing the window with their sons. She pretty much ruined all of their photos by barging in. They were too polite to say anything and I felt really sorry for them. I mean how cheeky!!

To me, there is clear etiquette when viewing Fenwick's window. If you would like a close up view and photos, join the queue like everyone else or visit during a quiet time. It's as simple as that! A few other unwritten rules include allowing those in front of you time to take their own photos without you spoiling their picture or getting in their shot and not taking absolutely ages at each window - keep the line moving. There is always a secondary line a little bit further back from the window where casual shoppers can walk by and take their own snaps (see below) without getting close or having to queue.

Anyway, back to this year's window. We adored Paddington last year and I don't think The Snowman beats that one but it's still lovely. We enjoyed peering at all the details and spotting different toys and accessories that we have at home too. It's difficult to pick a favourite scene but I really enjoyed the dancing at the party and the snowman on the motorbike. Obviously, the now infamous Greggs sign was a big deal this year too and I loved this little touch. I'm not *too* mad about their reflection ruining my photos now.

My kids are weird and actually don't like The Snowman - if I put it on over Christmas everyone moans (especially Steve) but thanks to this year's beautiful window, they all seem to have been won over a little and have agreed to watch it this year. Despite not being fans of The Snowman brand, they enjoyed the window and that says a lot. I think Heidi is hoping for a Snowman soft toy she spotted in the Christmas department.

Just like the story, the window finishes with a sad ending. We don't think this will be the last of The Snowman though, do you?

What do you think? Does pushing in the queue bother you? Do you like this year's window? 

You can view previous Fenwick Window posts here.

Don't forget to join our North East Christmas Lovers Facebook group here.