It's important to make customers feel excited about Christmas. I'm in charge of John Lewis's windows, so Christmas is a really important time of year for me. We work about 14 months in advance. We started our planning for Christmas 2014 in October of this year. It starts with an ideas phase, working with design studios and marketing teams to look at trends. Once we have settled on an idea, I start thinking about how to design the windows. By March, we're still just working on paper. But then we make models of what it might look like so that we're in a position to be able to tell the shops what they're going to be doing. I want to give customers a real sense of journey, from the advert through to what they see in the windows, and ultimately what they see when they come through the doors of our stores.Previously you would describe the windows at John Lewis as pretty much a beauty parade of our products. Customers would tell us that they walked past our windows to start thinking about what they might give as a gift.

But the truth is that now, with the internet, people just don't use the windows for that anymore. People do all the browsing online or in a catalogue. What they really want windows to do is inspire them about the must-have gifts. The focus is now much more about excitement and inspiration. Online is about convenience, but most people love to reinforce that decision in-store. It could be feeling the fabric, seeing the colour, speaking face-to-face with the sales assistants. And there are also a lot of customers who just enjoy the social experience of shopping. So my job is to make sure our shops inspire people. We started with the woodland wonderland theme. Each of us had to take the idea and work with it. The advert stems from that theme but they did an animation, whereas we decided to construct the animals out of our products. We've got a whale made out of a fridge, bears made out of armchairs, and owls made out of teapots and tea cups. The hare is made out of curling tongs and blow dryers.

The number of people who stop and photograph the window is amazing. At home, I'm a bit obsessional about my Christmas scheme. But my decorations are more about telling a story about me or something the kids have made, rather than getting a brand new scheme each year. I don't throw it out every year and start again like I do with work. I've always loved shops. I started my career as a trainee in Topshop and moved over to John Lewis working in shops on the selling floor. Since I came into head office I've been in different roles, but all associated with what our shops look like. It's the best job in the world. I never worry that we might run out of ideas, I just worry about what the idea is. I fret over Christmas when everyone else is enjoying it. But until you get that feeling in your stomach when you know it will really work, it is quite nerve-racking. But I've been in the business long enough to know that you'll always get there. This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional.

To get more content and advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our weekly update and careers ebook. Spread the Christmas cheer with a stand-out novelty knit or give a subtle nod to the festive season with a touch of sparkle or Fair Isle inspired pattern. Good things come in small packages with our fabulous selection of stocking fillers.contemporary home decor accessories Your loved ones are sure to be laughing on Christmas morning when they unwrap one of our fun novelty gifts.outdoor christmas decorations catalog Delight the fabulous foodie in your life with our luxurious range of sweet treats, delicious hampers and bottles of bubbles.beach wedding decor ideas

Don't fret about finding your gift to give for Secret Santa, our collection has something for all personalities and price ranges. From comfortable bedding and cosy cushions to warming candles and stunning table decorations, add a festive touch to every corner of your home with our collection of decorative accessories.decorate your house handmade Cards & wrapping paperchristmas decoration ideas door Send messages of festive joy with our beautiful Christmas cards and make gifts look gorgeous with stylish wrapping paper, ribbons and bows.decor for exterior of home From baubles and ornaments to Christmas candles and accessories, deck the halls this festive season with our stunning selection of Christmas decorations.

Conjure up a magical atmosphere with a warming glow of fairy lights and outdoor Christmas lights. The focal point for all holiday festivities, find the right Christmas tree for your home in our range of artificial Christmas trees. Our Christmas shop is full of inspiration to help you create your perfect Christmas at home... Our Christmas shop is full of inspiration to help you create your perfect Christmas at home, plus discover a wide variety of gifts to please all your family and friends this festive season. If you want to get the whole family ready for the colder days ahead, then look to our range of Christmas jumpers, including fun novelty designs, Fair Isle prints and sparkling knitwear. Tick off everyone on your list with our fabulous range of Christmas gift ideas. Explore our selection of Christmas gifts for her, from luxurious accessories and beauty gift sets to fun novelty gifts and super soft knitwear to please fabulous fashionistas, beauty goddesses and lounge lovers on Christmas morning.

If you're shopping for the man in your life, you'll find a stylish selection of Christmas presents for him, including the latest gadgets, novelty gifts and sophisticated fragrances. Our Christmas gifts for couples offer the perfect presents for two. Choose from a range of delicious food gifts and Christmas hampers which can be enjoyed together or treat the special pair to stylish new homeware. Watch the faces of the little ones light up on Christmas morning with our fun range of Christmas gifts for kids. You'll find a fantastic selection of the toys topping their wish list this year, including the latest sets from Lego and toys featuring their favourite characters from Disney and Star Wars. Create an enchanting backdrop for all your Christmas festivities with our fabulous range of Christmas decorations, Christmas trees and Christmas lights and craft fabulous table settings, perfect for festive feasting with our stylish range of Christmas tableware and table decorations.