Stockings hung - a Santa, a Christmas tree and a hot pink high heel shoe, of course.
Ginger shortbread biscuits with lemon icing and mince pies baked for the big man are set on the table with a note of thanks and a glass of milk.
Carrots and water for Dasher and Vixen and all their prancing mates.
Each Smith takes a turn to blow out a wedding candle with a Christmas wish.
They rumble into bed with love and kisses and Mum and Dad's silent hope for swiftly sleeping babes.
Childrens' sleep means parents' action.
Presents wrapped and piled under the tree - an unfeasible mountain glittering in the fairy light
Early morning a blur of paper and squeals,
noise and construction.
Coffee, croissants and hand picked raspberries.
While the children revel in their loot, the cooking begins - ham is glazed, potatoes are roasted,
The family roll in laden down with booze and food - champagne, turkey Ballantine, quail and salads, and King George's own pudding.
The sun is shining on the new deck, so the tables are moved under tree shade,
leaving free the perfect stage for the Annual Christmas Concert.
Lunching in the late afternoon, commences with a toast
'Welcome all and Merry Christmas!'
Like Christmas itself, its over too fast after the hours of prep.
Wine is drunk.
The concert begins and tears are wiped as beautiful children sing beautiful songs, and more songs from mothers with daughters, fathers with sons, aunty and nieces, into the night.
We end with 'Christmas Bells' by Wadsworth and family love for our ageing Dane, whose hugs now speak so much louder than his whispered words.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
May all our Christmases be so merry and bright.
