With gentle snuffles, yawns and groans, the house begins to awake; awaken from the deepest sleep, of spell cast by tiny elves to keep the impatient eyes tightly shut- lest the magic be broken.

Whilst no child wandered the halls and the stairs a jolly man slipped inside, dressed in red from head to toe, aside from the cotton wool beard and hair that sprouted from atop his head and from his face; some say he wears gold rimmed glasses that twinkle and flash, others reject this thought- so does he wear spectacles?

Who knows, but what is known he is partial to a mince pie- or two- washed down with a glass of milk (or perhaps brandy), and that his team with stamping hooves appreciate a vibrant crunchy carrot for the long trip round.

Tiny feet patter with unbridled glee, miniature hands tug at sleeping parents- there is no time to sleep- desperate to see if Santa had visited during the inkiest of nights; at last, the bleary eyes stagger down the stairs, following the wild squeals, shouts and screams…Santa had been!

Somehow the tree springs to life multi-coloured fireflies dance across its branches, drinks are produced to varying strengths, and at last all are assembled in the front room- still dressed in festive pyjamas- the parents try to form order out of the chaos… to no avail.

Suddenly, the still air is torn apart by savage claws of eagerness, pristine paper screams out in pain as it is shredded and yanked away from its contents, then if not offended enough discarded scraps, bunches and sheets are hurled skywards; psychedelic shower that floods the floor.

Photos are taken and grins are carried forth by suppressed glee; laughter blends with the music as the day progresses- family games are won and lost, mountainous plates of food vanish, toys are tested and pushed to the limits.

Gradually the excitement fades into sugar crashed comas, presents temporarily forgotten, and wrapping paper finds its way into a cavernous obsidian bag- a respite in the madness, a passing reprieve, for the children are bound to awaken with newfound life- always ready for Christmas round two!