Preparation (cont)

It was time to contribute to the local economy by purchasing stocking fillers from some of the shops in Biggar - there remain a number of small independent traders and they add much to the charm of the place, they deserve support.  And nobody asked me if I needed help, and nobody asked me who I was buying for and, post purchase, when they said 'thanks and have a nice Xmas', it sounded as if they meant it.
In house, the Santas have emerged, warm by the candles.