Christmas Eve

Thinking about buying Christmas crackers I said to myself, "If someone invented crackers that just go bang, and contain a joke and a hat, they would make a fortune. The silly things in crackers just get thrown away."

And what do I see in the shop?

A new sort of cracker. It goes bang - when you pull the star - you get a joke and a hat plus a little doodle game. All recyclable. So one happy Lizzie.

And this morning we're so well-organised we've even laid the table ready for tomorrow.

Including a new foldaway table for the children at the end and a tablecloth that fits! I thought about trying to create a centrepiece like they have in lifestyle magazines but what's the point? The middle of the table will be covered with food. Plus I'm not artistic when it comes to bits of greenery. And it's pouring with rain.

Soon we'll be off to Daughter's for curry lunch then they'll all come to us tomorrow. Just wish Younger Son and family were with us, but maybe another year. (No matter how hard I try, and I know they're living their dream, I still miss them and wish they hadn't gone. But we've had some good holidays. But that doesn't make up for it. I never thought Elder Son would come back and live in Swansea and I am so thrilled that they did, but I'm greedy. A typical Welsh mam, wants everybody close at hand. My little sadness moan over. Back to festivities.)

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One little aside apropos of nothing. Why do clothes manufacturers make their washing instructions so small? Even with my glasses on I had to use a magnifying glass!