Season's Greetings . . .

It is Christmas Eve, I've just had a miserable day at work and I'm tired. Not the best way to start Christmas you might think.
Wrong! Because it will help me to appreciate the one day off that I have. No work, presents, good food and drink and - most important of all - my family.
It's probably the best way to approach Christmas Day. Tomorrow will be filled with the usual rituals of Christmas Day in the Mac household. Mum makes sausage rolls in the morning, Dad cooks the usual Christmas lunch of coq au vin (it saves all that tedious carving of poultry - and there's wine involved) "helped" by offspring. Washing-up may follow, depending on how much wine was consumed. Then gather round the tree to open presents. Dad usually falls asleep during this in the hope that he won't be prevailed upon to make tea.
There won't be an over-abundance of festive alcohol in our house, nor too much rich food. Nor will there be masses of unnecessary presents. Don't I sound like a Scrooge? I hope not because it's no like that. There will be sufficient food and alcohol for us to really enjoy ourselves. Presents are all (hopefully) appreciated and not just bought for the sake of them. The most important part of our Christmas will be being together.
One of our family will not be here because he is with his fiancee visiting her family. That is the first time that all four of us have not been together at this time but we understand his reasons and he and his intended will be with us for New Year. It's just another sign of the fledglings finally fleeing the nest.
To all of you, whoever you are and whatever you believe, I wish happiness, peace and sufficiency for your needs. It is all we can ask for. It is more than many will get.
If everyone in the world could have the satisfaction of having loving family or friends around them then the world would be a far better place.
I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.