Advent thoughts (15)

Well, here's the mylodon family tree, looking chaotic as usual. People have put on their favourite things (and for the one who's still away, there's a bag of stuff left to put on). Big girl's boyf always gets to hang some baubles, including the green canoe (memory of USA 2010) - he's not allowed to dec the tree at home.

There's a lot of pressure for christmas trees to be immaculate, for decorations to be handmade and perfect, for the Christmas lunch to rival Michel Roux. It's all over the papers and magazines, strewn across the TV programmes - the media seem to want to stress us all with striving for things to resemble a five star hotel.

They won't be perfect round here. The tree - chaotic but lovely - sets the tone for the event. The food will be great and in vast quantities, but will anyone chaff at a less than perfect sprout or a less then immaculately laid table? They're usually too busy laughing to bother...