Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Anni baked an entire army of rather psychotic looking gingerbread men yesterday, for our annual "carols round the piano" event.

I baked a Christmas tree cake...

...and my lovely sil Ann made some of her amazing Christmas cupcakes, which my nephew Danny was very keen to get started on.

 Our friend and neighbour Keith as ever provided some splendid trumpetting.

And there was a roomful of music and merriment. 

Newbie guests at this event, Sarah and Tony really got into the swing of things. I love to see and hear people singing enthusiastically. Having spent much of the afternoon trying to remember who had borrowed our carol sheets and 12 days of Christmas flashcards from last year, I finally discovered them on our bookshelf. They always go down well.

Talking of things that went down well, Tom's homecoming was certainly enjoyed and made the most of by his little cousins. It was a most lovely evening. God bless us, everyone.