Well, this Xmas has been just perfect. I woke up at 9 this morning, coffee, than started getting ready to go away for the next few days. By 10:30 we were on the road in the motorhome, and arrived at my parents' house in the Scottish Borders by 1pm.

Plenty of wine and food, and some good movies. I'm SO proud of my family, we're all very close, and are having a wonderful time together. I've just put the gas heater on in the motorhome so we'll be warm to sleep tonight.

...

Olly

What a lovely day I've had.

A proper basic family Xmas. I was first up, at 7:30. Coffee and cigarette, as the family dragged themselves up, and we were al together in the living room by 8:15. Daughter already had her main pressie (a car and <successful> driving lessons), and son was given his cymbals and drum kit. We spent a very happy hour together, putting it all together, then I discovered just how rusty a drummer I am! Quick shower and some new clothes on, and first beer...

Olly

When I was a brat, Christmas always followed the same formula, get up, open presents, play with presents, have dinner, watch her maj, play with presents, go to bed. But whatever happened you would have been out showing off your new bike or whatever, the streets would have been full of kids.

Fast forward to the present day and the most striking thing is the pure silence that has fallen over the area, the streets are deserted! It reminds me of when Chernobyl blew up and the town beside...

Bigjawa

As a parent, Christmas is completely different to non-parents. Even though the kids are old enough to know Santa is me, I still have to be Santa. If you see what I mean.

I spent this morning doing final bits and bobs on the motorhome, ready to go away, and cleaning and tidying the house. The rest of the family went out this afternoon, so I spent 3 happy hours wrapping presents. Got most of it done, just my son's stuff left to go, and that will have to wait until he's gone...

Olly

Decided to have a go at giving daughter's Metro a thorough service today. Intended to change head gasket, timing belt and water pump, as well as oil, filters, plugs and coolant. All was going fine, until it came to removing the alternator pulley, from the end of the crankshaft.

Should have been easy enough - car in gear, brakes applied, and impact wrench to undo the nut. Except this one is automatic - so I can't pop it in gear. Mr Haynes, the filthy liar, glibly suggest 'fabricating...

Olly