Photo of the Day 13 and Two More Sleeps

A festive scene at our local garden centre in Spalding. These are real reindeer and quite an attraction for children on their way to Santa's Grotto.

So tomorrow's Christmas Eve... I suppose we're as ready as we're going to be. Tomorrow afternoon will be spent doing the gift round. It's a well practised routine and I normally leave it all to my wife, the brains of the partnership. We've even done all the Christmas food shopping! Wednesday morning provided the perfect opportunity and a relatively empty supermarket in Wisbech. I dread to think what it will be like tomorrow.
The period of Christmas chaos has begun, the roads are getting gradually busier and people are rushing. I noticed it on the roads earlier today. I feel good where I am, away from it all. No shops to fight my way around and no stress of trying to find a parking space.
I don't really feel as festive as I should, though my wife has lit a festive-scented candle which is helping a little. I expect that will come on Sunday when we are joined by my in-laws. The real thrill for me this year will be in witnessing my son open his presents (early) Sunday morning. For me this is the best part of Christmas. I know what he's getting and considering the mess we're in financially, I think we've done bloody well. The thanks of course must go to my wife, without whom nothing would have been possible. And that's no exaggeration.
It was good to see my niece and nephew today. It made it possible for me to steal a few hours peace as I was able to leave my son with them at my parents. They love playing together and frankly my parents are built to withstand the noise and stress of three hyper-active kids, unlike me. I can stand so much before the noise begins to turn to a constant 'white noise' and I need to escape. I think I would have a second breakdown if I were to be entrusted with the care of three Christmas-hyped kids. My blood pressure is increasing as I think about it.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a car going through the fence of my parents' neighbour. She has a house on a corner and I have lost count of the number of times a speeding car has left the road and taken down her fence. Yet despite this and countless complaints, nothing has been done to improve the warnings or make the corner safer. This will only be done when a life or two have been lost. For that's the way things work these days. Very sad.

Finally, the weather. It is horrible. Once again, we have a mild Christmas. It is wet, windy and mild. I prefer the snow. Call me old fashioned.

Just two more sleeps...!