Well it’s here again, that time of the year. When I was a child, it used to take ages to get through December, but now, the whole year seems to pass in a flash. The month of December is looming very close, and I haven’t even bought Christmas cards yet.

Every year I promise myself I will be more organised and start everything earlier. All the cards for overseas need to go off early, but in each one I usually put a letter, as these are family and friends I don’t see very often, and so I need to get round to writing them.

Last year , for the first time, I bought a Turkey Crown. For years I always had a traditional turkey, but as everyone seems to want to eat the breast meat, it was a good idea. Of course it’s a lot more expensive, and I felt a bit as if I was cheating, but never mind. I expect I will do it again this year too.

My family are grown up now, so giving them money to treat themselves seems to be the best choice. Our babies now are the dog, and the cat. They each get a stocking, crazy I know, but they love Christmas too. I’m convinced that the dog is keeping me fit, as after staggering from the dinner table, with lots of goodies inside me, it’s nice to go and walk some of it off, and if it wasn’t for Leo, I probably wouldn’t do it, especially if it’s cold.

At Christmas I always say I’m going to relax my healthy eating regime, and then after New Year, having got on the scales again, I’m full of horror at how weak I was, and it’s back to counting calories again. Why is it, when I was young, I could eat what I liked, and not put weight on? Why does our metabolism slow down? So unfair!

Every year I say I’m not going to over do the spending, whether it’s food or presents, but every year I end up spending more money. I know there is a recession, but for 2 days, let’s forget it, otherwise what is there about Christmas to look forward to?

I love going to Christmas Plays, and Carol services, Christmas fairs, and anything to do with brightness and festivities. I know  that some people might say that Christmas is just an excuse to overspend, but  it doesn’t seem to make any difference.

I still get a thrill from opening brightly wrapped parcels, with things that have been chosen with love. But better still, I love giving presents, and seeing the happiness on their faces. I always try to support a campaign for children who are underprivileged at Christmas. It is especially magical for them, who normally have very little, to receive presents.

When I am gathered with my family, it feels right, being together, so I think of people who are estranged, for one reason or another. I hope they can put bad thoughts behind them and re-unite. Christmas should be the reason to do this, and then maybe, one day, the world will unite, and be happy. I’m probably expecting too much, but it’s always nice to have something to strive towards. Happy Christmas everyone.