Close Encounters (with large crowds)

Jeepers, the Edinburgh Christmas markets are impressive but very, very busy. We could hardly move for people this evening. It was nice to soak up the atmosphere, and the lights, but a quick once round and straight into a taxi was the order of the day.

Later on, the family assembled for a lovely pre-Christmas Christmas dinner (we're not all going to be together for the big day, you see). With crackers and chipolatas and Christmas Pudding with brandy butter and everything! I'd swung by M&S the day before and I have to say that it made it all stress-free and effortless.