CHRISTMAS preparations start in London in October, a good two months before the festival. Beautifully decorated and well-lit Christmas trees are displayed in every store as well as market square. Bundled up in layers of insulated clothing — woolly hats, scarves, overcoats and ear muffs — visitors brave the extreme cold to view the famous Christmas lights in Oxford Street and Regent Street. The Christmas Wonderland in Hyde Park has life-size ice sculptures, a special ice skating rink, ice mountain rides and games for kids and adults alike. Not to mention the traditional roasted hot chestnuts, hot chocolate and other delicacies.