Page 38 of The Village Christmas Party

‘I’m not sure they offer much protection from the cold, Mum,’ I’d said, commenting on her gloves.

‘Ah yes, but they’re so handy if I need to use my phone, or pay bus fare. It’s a faff having to take gloves on and off.’

There’s a million things to do, and the other volunteers will be arriving shortly, yet after calling Gemma, I find myself now stressing again to Mum.

‘Don’t worry, it might be a lot of fun,’ she tells me. ‘You know how much the old people like children.’ She is yet another person who seems unfazed by the whole situation. Surprised, yes, but nothing like as panicked as I was about everything, so maybe I ought to try and relax a little. Try as I might though, I just cannot visualise the two groups sharing the hall space.

‘Do you think so?’

‘I do actually.’ She smiles. ‘Unless there is someone you know who absolutely hates kids.’

‘No, at least not that I know of, although old Elsie has been known to grumble about children kicking the ball in her garden. And she has complained on several occasions about her great-grandchildren putting their fingers all over her ornaments when they visit,’ I tell Mum.

‘Oh, I know Elsie. She also complains when they don’t visit, and doesn’t seem to realise why that might be.’ Mum laughs. ‘I told her to get a few toys from the charity shop, and some colouring books and pencils. You can’t really expect kids to sit there upright and silent, it’s not the Victorian era.’

‘I know, that’s what worries me.’ I sigh.

‘Don’t worry, I know most of the people attending and they are generally a jovial bunch. Eileen’s coming, isn’t she?’ she asks, Mum having met Eileen many times.

‘She is, yes, and looking forward to it.’

‘There you go then. And most of the ladies are fun, especially when they have had a sherry down them,’ Mum reminds me. ‘Do you remember last year, Martha, I think it was, gave us all a rendition of “Stand by Your Man” on the karaoke machine.’

‘Oh, I do. She surprised everyone with her voice, it was amazing!’

Once more I am reminded that old people have often once had a vibrant, fulfilling life that we never seem to consider.

‘Anyway, there will be enough of us here to see things run smoothly,’ Mum reassures me.

‘Thanks, Mum.’

Whilst Mum is sorting a few things out in the kitchen, I call Sue and break the news about the double-booked party.

‘I can’t help freaking out a bit. Do you think I ought to let the old people know? Or just keep quiet?’ I ask her.

‘Oh, bloody hell.’ Sue is laughing, seemingly unconcerned. ‘I’d probably say nothing,’ she advises. ‘You don’t want people not turning up and spending Christmas time alone. Hang on a minute, love,’ she says, disappearing for a second. ‘Sorry, I was just covering the turkeys in foil. Right, where were we?’

‘I was wondering about telling the pensioners and you said I shouldn’t, which makes sense, I suppose. I don’t want to put them off coming.’

‘I don’t think they will be,’ says Sue. ‘In fact, I think they will probably love the idea. Most old people love children, and I imagine as the average age is eighty plus, that most of their grandchildren will be all grown up now. Sorry, love, hang on.’

I can hear Sue telling Barry that the salted peanuts are in the cupboard over the dishwasher, but to keep his hands off the mint Matchmakers.

I think about Sue’s comments, realising she is right about the pensioners’ grandchildren being older now or maybe teenagers at the least. Perhaps seeing the children really will be a tonic for them.

‘I guess you’re right. I think I was worried about the older people being safe, what with children charging about. Anyway, I will see you soon, thanks, Sue.’

‘See you shortly, hun, and try not to worry.’

As the general consensus of opinion seems to be that a joint party might be rather a nice idea, maybe I ought to try thinking that way too. But despite the reassurances, I am still a bundle of nerves.

TWENTY-TWO

Hope it all goes well today. It’s heaving in the store already! Gemma. Xx

Gemma’s text message is adorned with Santas, Christmas trees and snowmen.

It’s one of those bright, crisp winter mornings with a clear blue sky and I pray it stays that way as the bouncy castle is arriving shortly, Kian informs me.

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