NOW IT'S REALLY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Eve is the First Night.

We are determined to celebrate Christmas, albeit in a slightly toned-down, more grown-up way, for the FULL twelve traditional days. This year represents a shift in my thinking and our celebrating, as we try to steer away from Christmas All December, or Advent, as it seems to now be known, and towards the old way of celebrating for the whole of the Top of the Year. I don't know if we'll make it all the way through to Epiphany.{g} We might be thoroughly sick of Christmas by 6th of January because of the sickly sweet build-up of commercial pressure throughout December and most of November, but this year is an experiment. If we prefer it, it will take some better planning next year.

Jamie will be coming home early today and won't be going back to work until 5th January - 12th Night. I'm glad he saved some days off so that we can all be home together over the Christmas period. It will make it very special. The last time he was off work was during the ill-fated week in the Youth Hostel in September when it rained for a whole week! If it rains for the next 12 days, at least we have a whole house to spread out in! And friends we can visit.

Today I need to make mince pies and sausage rolls, Jack is going to make some pecan tarts and Grace has promised to help both of us. Then at 3.00 we'll be listening to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, first broadcast to the nation (and Empire!) on Christmas Eve 1928. Then dinner, a present wrapping marathon, followed by Les Treize Desserts.

What fun! I LOVE Christmas Eve!