Santa on a fire engine? Why not? Anything goes this Christmas

Itook my eight-year-old son to the local Christmas lights switch-on last weekend. It was cold and wet – and I spent way more than is decent on festive tat. Truth is, I was dying to get back home but I knew Santa was about to make an appearance.

As we huddled under a cafe awning out of the rain, I explained it was probably not the real Father Christmas because he is way too busy at this time of year. But he was having none of it, even when the big man pitched up on the top of a fire engine, ringing his bell and waving to the crowds below.

It wasn’t the traditional entrance you’d expect, but I could feel my son’s hand grip mine a little more tightly.

“Did you notice the rain stopped when he appeared?” he asked me. “That’s because he’s magic,” I said. He was awestruck and it was infectious.

It’s easy to see the festive season as a bit of a chore, another lot of things to add to your to-do list, but that wee moment reignited a spark of excitement in me, and I chastised myself for being such a Grinch.

Last Christmas was a sad affair as Covid upended our plans so, starting this week, we will try to bring back that warm festive glow.

It is, of course, a time for giving and our four-page gift guide (starting on page 12) has ideas for the loves in your life.

On page 20, everyone’s favourite Fairy Godmother, Elaine C Smith, celebrates the return of panto now that lockdown has eased. And, on pages 40 and 41, our interior experts have tips for turning your home into a cosy Christmas wonderland.

We hope you enjoy the issue.