Christmas excitement update

For Mary, for the overseas Helen, and for anyone else who is wondering how my levels of festive excitement are faring, a quick update. I am stuck in a little routine. I listen to the von Trapp Children singing 'Please Don't Send Me Fruitcake', I smile with glee at the ludicrous song and at the fact that I seem to like such a ludicrous song. This is swiftly followed by an effort to counter the glee by listening to Malcolm Middleton's 'Burst Noel' ("last year I got knives for Christmas..."). An unsuccessful effort, it must be said. An effort which largely results in me wanting to ruffle Malcolm's hair and force him, at knifepoint if necessary, to pull a cracker with me. So, yes, I'm quite excited.