About two weeks ago, Caroline had the first festive emergency of the season - labrador that had eaten a Christmas bauble - all was well, the labrador was fine (bauble was not) but it served as a sharp reminder that I had to get the Christmas party sorted out.
Christmas parties are a big responsibility. The best plan I have come up with is to twist the arm of someone far more capable and organised than me to get it all arranged. Plenty of such people about and with the promise of a drop of alcohol, they get it in the bag and sorted quick as a flash. The best bit though is the secret santa. There are about 50 of us between Pilgrims, PetAir and WVS and we all throw names into a hat, people draw a name and you then have the ultimate responsibility of buying a secret santa for your chosen victim.
The great thing about it is the fact that no one knows who has bought them their present. Some people will always go safe, bottle of wine, pack of writing cards etc - others will go a bit mad - chocolate underwear for the married mother of five, inflatable bath companion for the senior vet etc. It's a lottery as to what you'll get and it can go either way - collective gasp of wonderment at the originality of the gift or polite smile as you unwrap yet another flashing tie. But this year I had the best present ever - I was given a magic hat.
Magic hats rate right up there with cloaks, capes and armour. Even more poignant was the fact I had booked a magician for the party so whenever he did a trick, I had to give a knowing smile and quick wink - suddenly being in the trade and all. I told him I had a magic hat - he didn't seem too impressed and promptly made my wedding ring disappear - but I got it back and managed to pull a foam rabbit from the depths of my new gift. Not a bad comeback I thought. They got better as the night went on and I am writing this blog with my magic hat literally inches from my grasp. I can't leave it alone - nor, as I am sure you'll appreciate, can I really talk about it in too much detail. If that labrador had been my case - you know exactly where the bauble would have turned up after surgery for example.
Anyway, I am looking forward to some serious hardcore magic this Christmas - 120 tricks worth to be exact (it has accessories) - and my family are in for a real treat. I sincerely hope anyone reading this blog also has a brilliant festive break and whilst we mustn't forget what it's all about - one thing is for sure - Father Christmas's sack is going to get a run for its money...
