Book Before Christmas

I'm thinking about Christmas.

2025 has been busy. So many unexpected things came along. I had three writing projects. None have been accomplished.

The one that I really must get done is Planet Pinch book, number 4. My Pinchers, there on the left, are due to return to their planet soon. But before they go, they'll be meeting Father Christmas and his reindeer.

In panic mode, I am now finally working on it. The narrative is written and the paintings have begun. They will take around three weeks followed by the computer work, proofing, fiddling, uploading etc.

As well as the day-to-day stuff, I'm just a tad behind with preparing for Christmas itself. I really want to cheat and buy a cheap-ish Christmas cake, but I just can't make myself break with tradition. For years now my cake has burnt...I've got used to it. Where's the fun if you're not scraping off dark brown crusty bits with a fairly blunt knife, and then hiding the interestingly looking non-smooth/level cake top, with marzipan?

For me, the stress, the expense, the familiar songs on the radio, memories of going to church and trying to hide the fact my singing isn't melodious, (even worse these days), receiving and sending Christmas cards and messages, getting together with loved ones, sharing gifts and playing games, over-eating, is all part of what I love about Christmas.

Just under two months to go...