You know, the older I get, the more I understand the adage of it being better to give than receive. I really get a kick out of watching the faces of the people I give presents to when they love what they’re unwrapping. Kids are the best – they don’t fake their reactions. I gave a three year old a Power Ranger doll this year and you’d think I’d given her the moon. She liked it almost as much as the little blue handbag that my Mum had been given free with purchase in India when she bought me a scarf. I’d added it to her presents as an afterthought – I couldn’t use it – but to her it was even better than the Ben and Holly pyjamas and the pink Power Ranger doll, and she loved those a lot.

I’m not religious, so the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of the Messiah has never particularly resonated with me. Oh, I was part of Nativity plays when I was younger (always the narrator, because I was the one who could pronounce Bethlehem), and I was chosen to read from the Bible in school carol concerts when I was older (I could project my voice to the back of the big Victorian church my schoool used for their concerts), but I’ve never believed the story of the birth of Jesus. I do like the idea of being kind to people, helping them and giving gifts, so I do get into the Christmas spirit. I know that Christmas is about family and friends, and celebrating being together.

But I do like presents!

I’ve been very lucky this year and received many fantastic presents from my nearest and dearest, but there is something about the little blue box that makes me heart beat a little bit faster!