Christmas...

Red, gold, green. Candles. The smell of the tree when I first wake up. Squinting at fairy lights so they blend into one another, lying on my back under the tree looking up into the branches and lights. Rich's face as he can hardly bear the thought of having to wait until Christmas day to unwrap gifts. Christmas spirit, people saying hello as they pass by. Bucks fizz for breakfast. The build up. Counting sleeps, making plans, hugging yourself with delight at the thought of a loved one opening a gift you KNOW they'll buzz off. Hearing kids talk to their parents about what exactly they intend to leave out for santa (why did we not have reindeer food with fairy sparkles when we were little?), nativity plays, the sheer thrill that coarses through my veins whenever I think of the festive season, santy hats only a pound, reindeer antlers in the pub, catching up with old friends, The Annual Secret Santy Balti - now a time-honoured tradition in Bebington, the Chair of Cheer, Chris Jack pretending to be a grinch but secretly loving it, being off work, all being right with the world, watching the Grinch on Christmas Eve with my hubby, trying not to wake up at 6am on Christmas morning (I lasted until 8:45am this year!), trying not to be sick with too much excitement, wandering through the Village and looking at people's trees all lit up in the windows, wintery weather, walks, scarves , hats and gloves, having G7T's in the middle of the day, tick tock tick tock, counting down the Christmas clock. You'll shoot your eye out kid! Blast this Christmas music...it's joyful and triumphant! Christmas movies, playing with your gifts on Boxing Day, buffets, turkey sandwiches, family time, good will toward men, peace on earth, reason for the season, the Liverpool Nativity. All round feel good factor. Christmas is here! God Bless us, every one.