And to all a good night!

After the better part of a week trying not to expire thanks to temperatures of 38, 42, 37, 41C, etc, it has finally cooled down and I have been cramming all of my Christmas baking (minimum amount, sadly) into the last 24 hours.

Orange Blossom Shortbread, Chocolate Spice Cookies, Almond-Cherry Florentines, an attempt at Choc-dipped Candy Canes (such a pain) and I'd already made some simple double pretzel chocolate thingies, if all else failed.

So now the first gifts have been delivered, the Cranberry Orange Cake is in the oven for tomorrow, the duck is defrosting, carols are playing and I just need to wrap a few last presents (including new squeaky toys for the dogs!), tidy up a bit and finish rereading 101 Dalmatians. I thought I might watch the movie tonight but we got back from Christmas Eve dinner a bit late (we always do) so maybe tomorrow night!

For now, I will leave you with two versions of one of my favourite carols.

"Katherine Jenkins - Deck The Halls" (Watch on YouTube)

"Animals of YouTube sing "Deck the Halls"" (Watch on YouTube)

Merry Christmas to all ...