The run-up to Christmas

I think the British celebrate Christmas as we would celebrate Chinese New Year. During my shopping trips to the supermarkets over the weekend, the shelves were stocked full. More fresh flowers were on sale and I was amazed when I visited Marks and Spencer yesterday. One whole shelf (about 10ft long) was packed with Clementines and crates after crates of parsnips, carrots and other fresh vegetables spilled onto the clothing shopfloor. Most shoppers were pushing the biggest shopping trolleys and they were filled to the brim with goodies. To beat the mad rush, I did most of my shopping yesterday and will buy the perishables either tomorrow or the day after. According to a report by Asda, the busiest time will be on Wednesday at 12.17pm. I shall stay clear of all supermarkets then.

The prospect of having a White Christmas is very much in the horizon. The snow which fell last week has not melted and we had more snow today. Even if it doesn't snow in the run-up to the big day, we'll still have a 'white' Christmas since the freezing temperature will mean the snow will still be around then.

I'm so relieved all the presents have been wrapped and yes, a special visitor will arrive in 3 days' time.