As the clock ticks past midnight here (GMT) and the wind howls around the house, I thought I would just like to wish everyone who might read this a Very Merry Christmas and Fabulous New Year. May your wishes be granted and your cholesterol lowered.

Today, as usual with us, has been a little hectic, with last minute prezzy purchasing, at least four runs to the shop for last minute omissions from the shopping mountain and concluding with ceremonial tree-upping, Card hanging and tinsel draping. All completed by approximately 10.00pm.

With the family away in distant parts, it is just the three of us this year. Myself, She who understands how to cook turkeys, and the visiting dog, and although we feel quite Christmassy, so far the dog has resisted all attempts to get him to join in the carol singing and tinsel draping, although he is quite keen on the mince pies.

Spare a thought this Christmas for the humble vegetable. Potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, onions etc who sacrifice themselves on our Christmas table. A particular thought should go to the Brussels Sprout, that concentrated globule of under-rated green goodness. It is a hard life being a sprout, a climactic lottery which produces these gemns followed by boiling water.

Oh and no, I don't care if your name is Santa Claus (aka Kris Kringle), get those damn raindeer off my roof!

Happy Christmas, one and all.