Page 33 of The Village Christmas Party

‘Thanks, although it isn’t just me, it’s a team of us. I’m so glad Sue cooks the meats, I think I would be panicking about the turkey being too dry.’ I laugh. ‘And before I go, I just wanted to say, I’m glad you urged me to get the lump checked out sooner rather than later.’

‘That’s what friends are for. And thank you so much for my gorgeous bracelet. I was going to call you tomorrow,’ says Gemma.

‘Wait, you have opened your present?’ I ask, shocked. My gift from her is under the tree where it will stay until Christmas morning.

‘You know what I’m like.’ She giggles. ‘There was no way I could see it there under the tree without ripping the paper open. I’ll call you tomorrow night to see how it’s all gone at the community centre.’

‘I’ll let you off. And I’m glad you love your present, even though it isn’t officially yet Christmas. Thanks, Gem.’

‘I hope you like yours too. Now, I must go or I’ll end up wrapping presents in the pages of the local gazette.’ She laughs.

‘Okay. Speak soon.’

Eileen from next door has knocked to show me the dress she will wear tomorrow for the Christmas lunch.

‘Oh, Eileen, it’s beautiful, it really brings out the colour of your eyes,’ I comment on the floaty grey dress that has a little bit of sparkle around the neckline.

‘Thank you.’ She does a little twirl. ‘I was worried I might be a little overdressed, but it is Christmas after all.’

‘Absolutely! I think it’s just perfect.’

‘Thank you. And it smells wonderful in here. What are you making?’ she asks.

‘A couple of date and walnut loaves. They contain no sugar, but taste absolutely delicious. I thought I would make it for Mum as she likes things organic and natural, although there’s enough for everyone, of course. Maybe even healthy enough for Dad to have a slice.’

‘Is there anything I can do to help?’ asks Eileen.

‘No, I think I’ve got everything covered, but thank you.’

‘Oh right, okay,’ she says, looking a little disappointed.

I recall Eileen’s comments the other day saying she missed her working life and how she would make some biscuits for the café she once owned with her husband.

‘Although actually, Eileen. Do you think you could whip up some of those lemon biscuits you told me about the other day?’

She told me of the melt in the mouth lemon shortbreads she used to make that sounded delicious.

‘Oh, I’d love to, of course. I think I have most of the ingredients already.’ With that she waves goodbye and heads back to her house.

I check my list for the millionth time, ticking things off. I have all the vegetables and Mum commented on the size of the sack of potatoes I bought, but I know how the old people like their roast potatoes. Mum is a dab hand at peeling vegetables so I will be grateful for the help tomorrow in the kitchen, along with Sue, Barry and a couple of other volunteers who live near the centre.

I feel lighter having seen the doctor as I check the gift bags for the pensioners, all of the gifts donated by local businesses. They include things like toiletries, notebooks and pens and, ofcourse, some additional freebies from the make-up counter at Bentham’s. They also have a Christmas cookie in a box baked by yours truly and a miniature bottle of Baileys.

The phone rings and it is Audrey, telling me she has persuaded her mum to come for lunch tomorrow, if that’s still okay.

‘It’s more than okay. We have twenty-five people and probably enough food for twice that number,’ I tell her.

‘And I would love to come along and help, if I wouldn’t get in the way,’ she offers.

‘Of course you wouldn’t! The more hands on deck the better, really,’ I assure her.

‘Okay, see you tomorrow. I will look forward to it.’

I give the house a final scrub, so that on Christmas Day I can sit and relax with Mum and have a chilled day.

I give Dad a ring to ask if he has spoken to Mum yet. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, and I realise that Mum hasn’t actually got back to me about Dad and Rose joining us on Christmas Day.

‘Hello, love, how’s things? All ready for the pensioners’ lunch?’ asks Dad, who despite being invited has never taken me up on the offer of joining us, saying it’s for people on their own and he prefers Christmas at home. Even though Rose’s home isn’t really his home. He has lived with her for three years though, and he has definitely put his stamp on the place with his favourite armchair, bookcase full of his books and a greenhouse that keeps him busy pottering when he isn’t working on someone else’s garden.

---