It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I'm getting in the mood now. The tree is up, the lights are twinkling, the carols are playing. Good old Bing and Frank. Or Harry Connick Jr. Office Christmas parties. After work drinks. Too many people shopping. Nowhere to park. Too much to eat. Give the house a spring clean. Scrub the deck and weed the garden. Get the spare bed ready for visitors. Stock up on their favourite wine and breakfast cereal. I must finish writing all those Christmas cards. Drive around the neighbourhood looking at lights. What the heck am I going to buy my mother this year? You can't get good wrapping paper any more. Real tuppence and threepence in the pudding. Smile at a stranger in the street. They smile back. Santa in the department store. I wear a Santa hat to work. Hand out candy canes. Real Scottish shortbread. Everyone's happy.