Christmas is coming - and we're all getting fat!

Yesterday was the Pensioners' Lunch Club Christmas Party and it wasn't just the turkey that got stuffed, I'm sure I've grown at least two inches around the middle. (Note to self, remember to wear elasticated waistband next year!). We entertained about a hundred - full roast dinner, crackers, carol singers, the works. I was made responsible for the bread sauce - all twelve pints of it!

Today is a day of calm before the family Christmas rush. The candlelit service in our church is always beautiful, I'm not sure how many candles there are, but there must be at least a thousand, and maybe more. We all arrive early, brimful of anticipation and the church is filled with excited rustlings, chatter and last minute arrangements before the electric lights are turned off to reveal the candles in all their glory. As the choir enter with the traditional "Once in Royal David's City" solo, a shiver runs down my spine and I know that Christmas is really here again.

This is the puppy's first Christmas and he's not sure what's happening. Obviously the tree is a wonderful new chew toy designed for nibbling at, and the lower branches have all been pruned by his sharp teeth to probably about half of their original length. (well, he is a Newfoundland and puppy size equates to 8 1/2 stone!) These enthusastic, if misguided, canine attempts to master the art of topiary have made the tree look rather odd. I haven't dared to put the presents under it yet, as I don't think he will understand the concept of "Not for you" and "Wait until Christmas Day." All much too tempting. Amy has seen it all before of course, and has taken to hanging knowingly around the kitchen in the hope of securing additional titbits as I mix, stir and bake ready for everyone's arrival.

Off to Bath tomorrow for the rugby (husband), last minute shopping (me) and long rambling conversations in the pub with friends (both). Rather excited - I haven't left Devon for months and a foray into deepest Somerset & Avon feels a bit like going abroad!