That busy time of year!

We have at last begun our Christmas countdown in a flurry of confused busyness, as usual! I dream of a relaxing run-up to Christmas in the same way I dream of a coordinated Christmas, and I realise it's never going to happen!

We dashed out late on Sunday afternoon to a dig-your-own-tree place nearby and had an hour to position it before Sunday evening cricket practice for the boys. I am a bit precious about the tree as I explained in the last post and had asked everyone to leave it until I had it exactly right and the tub covered and the lights on; the lights must go on first. As I left the room I heard a flurry of tinsel and came back to find half the tree covered in 20 year old multi-coloured stuff (note to self, throw away the old tinsel!)

Anyway we all dashed out to cricket as while the boys had their 2 hour session the builder, little miss and I had arranged to have a quick meal at Prezzo (good old Tesco vouchers!) with 2 other parents. As we ran into the restaurant and sat at a table for 5 we felt something was amiss, then we had a phone call - the couple we were meeting were at the other Prezzo in Norwich - who knew there were two?? So we ran up the road and hastily ordered, bolted down a coffee & glass of prosecco (well it's Christmas) all at the same time, ate as fast as we could in the remaining hour and then collected the boys! What happened to leisurely meals and chatting to good friends without clock watching?

Anyway I decided I needed to have a thorough clean of the house before we finished the decorations - half way through doing so the builder decided to vigorously sweep the new floor, I think only about an inch of dust found it's way onto every surface in the house - cue a big row! We don't often argue but really! I just want to get ready for Christmas and all he wants to do is finish the extension - we've waited 7 years already, why the rush now??

In the midst of all this Little Miss reminded me she needed a Victorian pauper's outfit in time for Tuesday when they had a visit here - I'm not very good with a needle and cotton but we threw some things together out of the airing cupboard - I already had a mob cap and pinny of my own (don't ask!). I have been known to make nativity shepherds outfits from an old sheet and staple gun (my poor kids!). A good day was had by all and the outfit's are needed for the forthcoming school Christmas production. Apparently one of the teachers is going to look for a better costume for Little Miss (oh the shame!)

The Christmas productions at our tiny primary school are phenomenal, I can't wait to see this years - I'm rarely dry eyed - mainly due to laughter! The only snippet I know of this years take on Scrooge is that the three ghosts (past, present and future) enter the stage dancing "Gangnam style"! Sounds to be up to the usual standard - a brilliant effort for a school that has a total of just under 50 children.

But at last we have the tree up, some decorations remain untouched - we need a man with a tall ladder to put those up, smiling sweetly at the builder doesn't seem to have had any effect.

As I explained it the previous post I try to coordinate the tree - it's all red and silver - but can you spot the blue bauble and green boot on the bottom right - they think I haven't noticed yet!

The week ahead is just as busy, shopping to finish, wrapping (& hiding presents) to start. Deliveries to do and a fun dinner out with my reading club ladies. Always a great night and we theme it every year; this years theme is dress for Hollywood glamour, the wine is already paid for so usually by the end of the evening there is nothing glamorous about any of us - I'll try to photograph something!

And on the same night number 1 son has his final County cricket trial, and he'll be told if he's been selected on the night - I'll stay sober enough to take the phone call at around 10pm. I'm keeping everything crossed for him, I so want him to make it this time but it is unlikely. After trialling every year for so long he deserves it - but then I'm not picking the team.

I hope you're all getting festive and I hope I'm not the only one charging

around like the proverbial fly!