I can, betimes, be a bit Scroogey. Scroogeish? Scroogesome? Not terribly forthcoming with the holiday cheer. This year I was in a contented mood and despite some xmas clichés (some culinary trouble; disappointed gift receivers) I have to deem the day a success.

On christmas eve eve we had a boatload of friends and offspring (as we do every year) in a pre christmas party. I kind feel it's the sort of christmas day I'd like to have if it wasn't somehow inextricably bound to family.

There was about thirty of us and we did a chris kindle or secret santa thing where everyone gets a present, but no-one knows who from, followed by food and drink. Because of the children, it all finishes up at a reasonable hour allowing time for clean up and mindless christmas TV.

A great start to the week.

Today I was looking forward to Paddy having fun, and he did. He was a little tired from the previous gathering but despite some whiny patches, he pulled through and didn't stress either parent out too much. He got some great stuff (spoiled little thing) and was very grateful and visibly delighted with everything which made giving him stuff highly rewarding.

My main present was enrolment in piano lessons. I start on the 8th of January next. I don't really know what to expect or to ask for. Will they be grindingly formal ones with loads of scales and arpeggios? Will I have to sweat over sight reading exercises? (most probably) Will I learn lots of classical pieces that I have no interest in? (maybe) Will I have to get our piano tuned? Yes, I will.

After the traditional consumption of bird (goose this year) and assorted vegetables, the party split into factions. One of us was given poker chips and so a few sat down to play cards while others watched The Fellowship of the Ring and yet more played scrabble. Thus passed another christmas day.