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84 THE ENGLISH HOME FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOKWhat singular joy there is in spendingChristmas with close family. This is thetime when life-long traditions are formedand memories are passed down from generation togeneration, so take the opportunity to relax and enjoythe period simply for its own sake, without troublingabout perceived imperfections along the way.Set the tone on Christmas Eve by encouragingchildren to bake a batch of gingerbread men orshortbread and let the warm scent of spices fill thehouse, enhanced, perhaps, with a richly fragrancedcandle or two. With a fire in the grate and carols orfavourite classic crooners playing in the background,the afternoon will slip by in happy reverie. Amid therush, be sure to sit down for a few moments to enjoyafternoon tea with a mince pie or biscuit.In the evening it can be pleasing to pull on woollensand attend a local carol service – those by candlelightare most fun. Free, but ticketed, events in abbeys andcathedrals fill up early, so do try to book ahead. Failingthat, after a light supper, snuggle under throws andwatch a favourite film. When Raymond Briggs createdThe Snowman in 1978, it is doubtful he could ever haveknown how popular his enchanting wordless talewould become, with the film adaptation following in1982. For older family members, fare from Englishdirector Richard Curtis or a classic such as It’s aWonderful Life will be ideal. Before turning in, leave asnack for Father Christmas and his reindeer – Dasher,Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner andBlitzen. If sleepy but excited children lie very still theymight just hear the far off tinkle of sleigh bells anda merry ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ coming from a starry sky abovefields sparkling with frost. It is a law of nature that children will wakeimpossibly early on Christmas Day. Ease into festivitieswith mugs of hot chocolate or coffee, crumpets orEnglish muffins, and, after delving into Christmasstockings with gusto (see page 87 for a colourfulcollection), set off into a crisp, frosty morning for awalk with the dog (who should not be forgotten on thepresent list). Others may wish to attend church, leavingthose in charge of final preparations for Christmaslunch to get on in peace. Turkeys, particularly, can takelonger than expected to defrost and it is wise to do thison Christmas Eve. A four-kilogramme bird should feedtwo children, two parents and two grandparents, withcooking time for this size being roughly two hours. Inthe spirit of Christmas, consider inviting someone whomight otherwise be on their own to join the fun. Happy and full to bursting, settle in the sitting roomwith a box of chocolates to watch the Queen’s Speechat 3pm, open remaining presents, and give quietthanks for the blessings of the past year.‘JUST US’CELEBRATIONSTEH UK DEC15 Packaged to suit v2.indd 84 16/10/2015 14:48