That time of year again...

How long does it take for something to become a tradition? Is it a tradition if you do it twice of does it take five, ten, even twenty times?

Well, it’s that time of year again and our little traditions continue. The decorations were up before the 12^th (Gaynor’s birthday), we’ve boozed up the mincemeat for the pies and have taken the 20th photograph in the photo booth. Holly and I have been doing this since she was two as a present for Gaynor and it’s become a tradition.

The booth is more of a squeeze than it once was and my hair gets greyer each year (hence the hats) but I really look forward to it. It’s a father and daughter thing I guess. Holly does all of the organisation for me these days, the hats, the instructions, pressing the button, so different from that day twenty years ago when we took the first one and she could sit on my knee. I don’t think my knees would take it now even though Holly is very slim.

To be honest though we haven’t changed that much; I’ve got older and uglier, Holly stays beautiful and the tradition continues. It's framed, wrapped and under the tree and will be, as always, the last gift to be opened Christmas morning.

Can't wait. Merry Christmas to you all.