I
will also confess to having a certain fondness for Shakin' Stevens' 'Merry
Christmas Everyone', but mainly because I remember the video and his rather
fetching festive jumper.
When
you read this it will indeed be Christmas Eve, probably my favourite day of the
festive period.
I
love the anticipation of Christmas Eve.
The presents still wrapped neatly, nestling under the tree waiting to be
opened (if the dog hasn't got to them first and given them his inspection).
The
mulled wine warming gently in a pan on the stove, mince pies, sausage rolls and
a whole host of other delights which I try to only consume at Christmas,
otherwise I'd have a belly the size of Father Christmas's and need to borrow
his nice red suit, or perhaps fetch my maternity jeans from the attic (now
there's a thought - thanks Joey from Friends for that idea!)
One
of my Christmas Eve highlights is the candlelit crib service at the local
Parish Church.
It's
lovely, attracts people of all ages, and offers a calming influence before the
'storm' of the festive season.
The
old stone building is transformed with the glow of the candles, carefully
balanced out of reach of little hands on the stone columns which have stood
proud for hundreds of years, witnessing many events such as this.
Everyone
joins in singing - it's not just hymns either; last year we had the 12 Days Of
Christmas, with each pew having to stand up and sing their line, causing much
amusement when people didn't arise at the correct time and boomed out 'Five
Gold Rings' at the wrong moment, for example.
The
children usually dress up as characters from the Nativity, but I'm pretty sure
there was a Gruffalo once. I'm anticipating
Star Wars-themed outfits this year - perhaps Darth Vader himself, some Ewoks or
a couple of Storm Troopers?! Merry
Christmas to you all.
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