oh what a wicked web we weave...

.. the seasonal subterfuge is well under way now and the girl is learning from the pros. I got back from the supermarket to find a wide-eyed and grinning B, begging me to look under the tree. Four packages nestled there for me, all enthusiastically wrapped in the grown-up birthday paper (ie not Barbie/pink) and tied with ribbon. Apparently it's a big mystery how they got there, and even more of a mystery how the elves have exactly the same wrapping paper as me. She is absolutely quivering with excitement.

Santa spoiler ahead after the white space, for those of you with young readers on your lap...










I can't call her on the fibbing. Between the two of us (and our postie), our porkies over the last few days have included:
The elves don't make anything that's advertised on the Disney Channel or on You-Tube
Santa doesn't leave presents if he thinks you obviously have enough already (=tidy your room please)
"oh look, it's a package for next-door!" <desperate winking at Nigel the postie, who seconds later declared with equally theatrical winking:> "Yes, this one's for your neighbours, can you take it for them please?"
"Yes, Santa does need money, because he has to pay the elves and the reindeer. Santa wants them to have enough money to look after their families>"