It may have been bitterly cold this week but the first snowfall of winter will have helped many of us feel more in the Christmas spirit as the big day approaches.

'The essence of Christmas' is the new theme for our camera club members and as you can see from scrolling down this page, they have captured it in a variety of ways

The Watford Observer Camera Club is a Facebook-based group.

It is open to all photographers, from those who snap pictures on their phones to professionals who capture perfect shots with specialist equipment.

Every four weeks, members of the camera club are set a new challenge, a theme is selected and then the work starts for our talented photographers.

Search for Watford Observer Camera Club on Facebook. Ask to join the group and we’ll accept you.

This week’s selection of pictures were taken by:

Lynda Bullock

Watford Observer: 'On the canal.''On the canal.' (Image: Lynda Bullock / Watford Observer Camera Club)

Ged Handscombe

Watford Observer:

Clare Holland

Watford Observer: 'Reindeers in Finland.''Reindeers in Finland.' (Image: Clare Holland / Watford Observer Camera Club)

Iain Nibbsy

Watford Observer: 'Driving home for Christmas.''Driving home for Christmas.' (Image: Iain Nibbsy / Watford Observer Camera Club)

Amanda Ramsay

Watford Observer: 'Christmas knitted cover for the postbox in Abbots Langley.''Christmas knitted cover for the postbox in Abbots Langley.' (Image: Amanda Ramsay / Watford Observer Camera Club)

Stephen Smith

Watford Observer: 'Festive cheer on a Watford allotment.''Festive cheer on a Watford allotment.' (Image: Stephen Smith / Watford Observer Camera Club)

Robert Stapleton

Watford Observer: 'Pantomime characters.''Pantomime characters.' (Image: Robert Stapleton / Watford Observer Camera Club)

Trish Waithe

Watford Observer:

Rebecca Yu

Watford Observer: