Early Wishes

Just a reminder that Christmas is not just a time for excess, even though Santa does appear to like my own choice of tipple; which is rather nice. In my day it was a glass of sherry (very dry naturally, perhaps Tio Pepe) and a biscuit that was left out for him but I am sure that Jack and a chicken leg is even more acceptable. Although one wonders if this leads to an extra interest in his charming elves?
But one must also remember that overindulgence has its own immediate effects which may lead to missing something important, like the Queen's Speech (which I gather can also be seen as a podcast this year, is our monarchy being dragged kicking and screaming into the Century of the Fruitbat?). We always had a small sock in the morning and the main presents were opened after the enormous lunch and the Queen's Speech, this probably being an aid to keeping children in bed a shade longer than might be the case if the main presents were given out first thing. After all who could resist the excitement of the possible new outfit, that could be used to imagine cowboys or knights in shining armour - why, the possibilities are endless!
But we should remember that it is a family time and the trip to see the grandparents has to be arranged and the pleasures therefrom enjoyed. If arranged for Xmas Eve it means that there can be a return to home to allow a good night's sleep for all before the strenuous excitements of the actual day.
And just to emphasise the family nature of this period (I am keeping well away from consideration of the religious nature) here is a photo of five female generations of the family of a charming American lady that we met at the Night Safari in Singapore some time ago; she being the one in the middle.