The kids know that for Father Christmas to bring them presents rather than a lump of coal in 2026 they will have to be good. Otherwise Daddy will send Santa an email to flag up any naughtiness. But we also have to make sure Santa enjoys his lightening visit to the last house before the border with England this year.
And that means putting out a carrot for the reindeer, a mince pie for Father Chrismas and also a glass of Metaxa for old Nick. The kids explain to anyone who will listen that Metaxa is what Father Christnas really enjoys.
And thus a bottle arrived in the post thus morning so we are all set. These days I drink almost nothing. I reckon that I average about four units a month if that. I really can go months on end without touching a drop. But with my blood sugar levels thus moring actually a shade below target I reckon that I might be allowed a small Metaxa.
Anyhow it is not for me but for Father Christmas who is due here in Wales sometime after 1 AM on Christmas Day when Joshua and I are back from midnight mass and have headed to bed. the only question is whether Joshua will be so tired that he has forgotten the family tradition started by my grandfather, Sir John Winnifrith, of putting a sprig of holy in the bed of your sons to give them a Christmas Eve surprise.
