I love the build up to Christmas, perhaps even more than the day itself! The feel of anticipation in the air, the smell of cinnamon and oranges, and the fact that it’s perfectly acceptable to smile at a stranger and say ‘Happy Christmas!’

Last week we took Max on his first visit to see Father Christmas at Legoland Windsor. As you can see from the picture it was a great success! He started to get grumpy in the queue, and despite the beautiful maze of Christmas trees and cute little log cabin, there were no smiles for Father Christmas. Just lots of crying and desperately trying to get away. Not even the present could win him round! Father Christmas was so good with him though, completely unphased by the negative reaction! Legoland at Christmas was lovely - there must have been over a thousand Christmas trees around the park, all lit up and looking very magical and wintery. There were quite a few rides open (mostly for the little children) with no queues at all, so we managed to squeeze in a few of those and a hot chocolate before heading off to see Santa.

Every other year, when my sister and I spend Christmas with our respective inlaws, we have a family Christmas celebration so that we don’t miss out. This year we had it last weekend, so it was a day filled with too much food, paper hats, and lots of presents. It’s amazing to see how quickly a 20 month old grasps the concept of a present - such a change from last year when it was all about the wrapping paper! And at lunch he even managed to say a new word to add to the small collection, and quite a complicated one too - chocolate! Guess who’s been eating a fair bit of it lately? (Well, it is Christmas!)

I love that Christmas prompts you to meet up with friends you’ve not seen for ages. We’ve had such a whirlwind of social engagements lately I don’t think we’ve had time to sit down and breathe! I’m looking forward to cocktails this evening with my best friend, and then I think that’s us done until the Big Day (which, I don’t know if you’ve heard, is only 2 days away!!)

It seems to have become a tradition since my sister and I have become Mums for us to have a girls day in London every Christmas, with my Mum. This involves shopping, looking at the Christmas lights, and a trip to the theatre. This year my aunt and my two cousins joined us, so it was a full on reunion, and we saw The Phantom of the Opera (for what must be my 10th time!). I wasn’t too impressed with most of the Christmas lights this year, but Carnaby Street outdid themselves with a very sparkly, and very pink display, with hanging disco balls. I mean, what says Christmas more than pink sparkly disco balls? Nothing, that’s what.

I’m not that confident in my cooking ability lately - since having Max I’ve found that I seem to either burn or undercook everything. Last night I made spiced red cabbage in preparation for The Day, and it was amazing - the smell of the spices simmering away made the whole house smell of Christmas! And then… yup, I burnt it! It’s in the bin now and we’ll have to make another batch. I’m looking forward to smelling that smell again though!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas - enjoy the last few days!