Well we made it safely to N.I. without excess baggage charges or any other problems. For 24 hours or so I was concerned that getting the all important pressies there would mean few, if any clothes, for Alan and I. Thankfully, due to my packing expertise, we managed a change of clothing or two so no embarrassment and a happy daughter. Now that the pressure is off, we can relax and be in total holiday mode, what a lovely thought. Six whole days of being looked after, relaxing and probably over indulging. I am intending to keep the daily walking up though which at least burns off some of the calories and makes me feel virtuous into the bargain.

How are your plans going? Going away early meant planning in advance and I am fairly pleased with it all. We even managed to spend our last evening in the company of our neighbours, which was really lovely. In the winter we tend not to see so much of the neighbours so the get togethers need to be initiated rather than stumbled upon. I knew I had come along way though when instead of busting a gut to prepare a meal on our last night in London, I was able to propose an Indian carryout without feeling at all guilty. They will join us for dinner on the 31st when they will get some home cooked food and we will all have much more time to socialise. My biggest tip to you this Christmas is to go easy on yourself, don’t try to do too much and enjoy what is really important.