What I got for Christmas

The problem with Christmas presents is that too many gifts fade quickly from the memory. I could list few presents I received this time last year for example. I'd feel sad about it, but on the other hand it's more than made up for by those gifts which linger in the memory long after the decorations come down and the tree sheds it's needles.

My favourite offering this year came from my sister in law. Some time ago I'd waxed nostalgic to her about a simple Sunday ritual shared amongst my siblings. Every Sunday, after mass, we'd each be given 10p with which to buy sweeties from the penny tray in the newsagents as Mum went next door to buy bread rolls. My favourite was always the chocolate saw, a small bit of of chocolate in the shape of the tool. It was expensive at a whopping 3p (30% of my budget!) but I usually judged it an essential purchase. It was chocolate after all.

For Christmas she gave me a small tin toolbox filled with an assortment of chocolate tools. It made me very happy indeed.

As did the news that she and my brother are expecting a baby in August! Puts the chocolate tools into perspective somewhat...