I can't believe this! It has happened before the new year and Xmas!
Can't get a better present from 'Santa' Post Man for Xmas than a Brown envelope letter with confirmation of my citizenship application.
Method of application: NCS (Croydon)
Date of application: 27/08/2014
Nationality: Pakistan
Payment method : Debit Card
Date of receipt by UKBA: 29/8/2014
Date of acknowledgement: received on 5/9/2014 dated 02/9/2014
Date of debit or clearance of fees: 01/9/2014
Date of approval letter: 11/12/2014
Date of approval received: 24/12/2014
Date of ceremony: Waiting
I followed this forum almost everyday but yesterday I got really frustrated when I saw May and June applicants still waiting to hear from the HO. So finally I decided to call HO yesterday (23 Dec). The lady on the phone was nice but she only asked me about time period of my application (4 months) and if I have changed my address. She never asked me for reference number of my application or anything. She then said that I have to wait for six months and if there is anything wrong with my application then HO will contact me straight away.
I have got the letter now (24 Dec with dated 11 Dec). My application was not very straight forward and after looking at May and June applicants, I was expecting the decision on my application in six months time if not more. But here we go!
I called my Council to book a private ceremony this morning and still waiting to hear from them about the date and time. But the real milestone has been achieved. I have got my PhD qualification i.e. British citizenship

. I can truly celebrate the Xmas break and new year.
For those who are still waiting, be patience guys and don't think too much about your citizenship. Just carry on with you work and the letter will arrive one day
Thanks all for your contribution, it really kept me informed about what's happening with other application.
Happy Xmas and Happy New Year to everyone! Enjoy!