'twas the weekend before Christmas

oh, and all around the house
poor Mummy was far more tired than any mouse.
Wet stockings were hung from the shower rail without much care,
in the hopes that the cleaner soon would be there.

Six adolescent girls had been jumping on the beds,
with the triumph of their school show blazing in their heads,
till long after midnight...

The school show was the most spectacular thing - moving, and lovely, with the kids of Stoke Newington displaying their beautiful musicianship in almost every genre of music you can think of. Mlle Baroque and her friends did their Santa Baby number so well - it was such a real highlight of the show - that Ms B was in tears of pride. My girls! Their solos went off with aplomb - Kitty opening the number like a pro & not a trace of nerves showing, Mlle B simply stupendous with her big, low, soul voice, and Natalie clear as a bell and justas lovely as one, despite how shy she usually is about singing. Naomi and Isabelle were great. They all danced well, were tight & rehearsed, and looked fab in red and black (leggings, little skirts, mini dresses, & what they now call "waist belts"), with red Santa hats on. All in all I was about fit to burst!

Mlle B is right: I am an ambarrassing mum. She was chagrined afterwards in the crowd of school parents - oh mummy stop it - but she was so excited her cheek was twitching, and please note that Natalie rushed up for a hug. They all came back here for a huge sleepover.

The boys weren't at the show but their friends were, and once again filled Ms B to the brim with maternal, Christmassy and proud feelings. These kids are so much more wonderful than any sugarplums.

Christmas, eh! No wonder we love it after all. Off to buy presents now.