Welcome!

So the big day is almost here! I hope you aren’t feeling too stressed and that you have worked out what you are doing. My husband Simon and I will ‘do’ my side of the family on Christmas Eve and then the day itself will be spent with my stepkids and their growing brood. We actually haven’t decided where yet as, in breaking news, my second grandson was just born! The as-yet-unnamed bundle of joy arrived a little early, catching his parents by surprise. As preChristmas surprises go, a new baby in the family is right up there! My eldest grandie Harley, at just two, has been caught up in the seasonal excitement since he spotted the sparkly decorations at the local shopping mall early last month. Ever since, anything Christmassy has sent his excite-ometer to levels almost on par with Emma from The Wiggles coming on the telly! Simon and I feel so lucky to have a big family to enjoy. But there are lots of different ways to celebrate Christmas and the tl! team has got all bases covered. We do have a few Christmas ‘orphans’ among us, who are away from their family. But being resourceful types, they won’t let that stop them. Beth, whose partner Suddy is English, will be hanging out with a gaggle of other Pommies at the beach. Riah, who is English herself, and her partner Luke will also hit the surf and sand. ‘After five years, it’s still a novelty to be swimming in December,’ said Riah. For the rest of the team, it’s a more traditional blend of hot or cold meals and travelling to see family. I’m taking a break from writing my letter next week when we’ll all be starring in a special Welcome page Christmas card, so I’ll take this opportunity to wish you a Christmas that’s as happy, peaceful and loud as you’d like it to be!