Cruel winter

Pulling a cracker with my husband Steve, I smiled as it let off a bang.

‘Merry Christmas, everybody!’ I said, as we sat round the table for dinner.

I poured myself a glass of fizz as Steve and our two children William, 28, and Emily, 20, tucked in.

After demolishing a feast of roast turkey, potatoes, pigs in blankets and honey-glazed ham, I was stuffed to the brim.

‘I won’t need to eat for a week after this!’ Steve joked.

‘You’re right,’ I chuckled to him.

After dinner, my niece Nicole, 32, popped round with her two kids.

‘It really is the most wonderful time of the year,’ I smiled, watching them play with their new toys.

I loved Christmas, and I certainly didn’t mind overindulging during the festive