This evening we will be making hats for the school Christmas lunch. I suppose I should make one for myself, as I shall be there, enjoying sliced turkey and stuffing balls. It was my turn to open the advent calendar today; the girls woke me extra early to make sure it was done before school.

We have beautiful weather today, with a clear blue sky and shining sun. Even though we have moved house, a diversion ensures my daily look at the sea which was, this morning, turquoise calmness and beauty. I was driving along, listening to Aled and Terry on the radio, and was waved to by two children from the school, smiling and happy. I thought back to the first time I met them, when they were in nursery. They had only just started there, and sat together like a pair of frightened rabbits, speechless and serious in what was to them, at that time, an alien environment. I tried to encourage them to play, but they stared at me, huddled together. And today, they are confident and lively, blooming as they grow. In two years they will be preparing for their first Christmas at secondary school.

One thought triggers another, and I could sit and reminisce now, recalling my own childhood Christmases. They seemed so magical.

Making Christmas magical is now my job. What a beautiful task to be set!