The holidays were coming on fast, and Father Christmas was already getting his sleigh and reindeer ready, polishing his shoes and going through the wish lists.
We were getting ready too at after school, where the children learned through play what it is we celebrate on 25 December.
It is a conversation worth having, because for many children Christmas means presents before it means anything else. There is nothing wrong with that, but an hour in which the holiday also acquires a story, some customs and a reason does everyone good. The children listen closely, ask very practical questions and usually go home with one more question for their parents.
Carols go hand in hand with the explanation. A carol is learned quickly, sung as a group, and holds in a few lines exactly what we had been trying to tell them — and the tune carries it further than any summary.
We let ourselves be carried along by the festive mood, with carols playing softly and the smiles of lovely children. And we sent word to Father Christmas, as we do every year, that we were expecting him at our place too.