Gransnet Grotto

This sofa seems to be infinitely expandable, kitty. Fairy tale of New York, yes please. lyrics here to sing along Christmas cheer - not!

Good evening everyone. I havn't been around much lately but finally found my way to the grotto; you've made it so inviting.

I've brought some cinnamon spice scented candles and last years homemade sloe gin. It's well matured now, so be careful how much you drink.

DH says he's still got his Santa outfit from a Christmas gig he played a few years ago and would be quite happy to have ladies sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. I'm so lucky to have such a thoughtful DH.

Oh, and 4 year old DGD has played a camel this year, if that's any good for the nativity.

Is there a corner of the sofa left for me. I've just done a silly thing - I went shopping after the Christmas party and I need a little snooze now.

Just every now and again may we please have 'Fairytale of New York' I know it's a bit dirgey and no-one knows the words, but I just love it.

With an umbrella and a cherry . I like my advocaat neat...stick me in a corner with some rolling tobacco, a bottle of advocaat and put the Boxing Day racing on and that's me in heaven.

My favourite xmas drink is a Snowball. I never bother with them at any other time of the year.

Or else a bottle of Bicardi, plenty of coke and friends to play cards with. Does anyone want to have a game of crib or dominoes whilst the mince pies warm up.

Are we allowed to stay here until Christmas is over?

Think it might have been me snoring, anno! Or perhaps we were in concert? Maybe just a little Calvados, just to help when out, you know. Butty - any of those oranges left?

I'm not bringing any of my Christmas cakes as DS says it would be illegal to drive after just sniffing them and I don't want to be responisb le for any of you losing your licence!

Hello... what's that delicious smell? Oh thank you, Butty - don't mind if I do. (yawns...) I've just woken up from forty winks - dropped off in this comfortable corner of the squashy sofa. What's that? No, no I don't snore. 'twasn't me...

Anyone want to try out my 'alternative' Christmas pudding I've been experimenting with? Orange slices soaked in Quantro + a dash of sugar and hint of ginger to go on top of an Orange Mousse.

Waddya think? Is it a winner?

I'll bring more mince pies, made loads at the weekend and they are in the freezer waiting to be used.

I'm loving the sound of this Nativity play!

Anyone want some gluwein?

I can smell the pine tree. Just one more cup of hot chocolate then I really must leave and do something useful. Be back in the morning. I'll bring the bacon butties. Have a good night.

Should be.

a bet all yous are canny served now .all bring some sherry and more mince pies .dont fall a sleep untill i get there

Does anyone know if a bottle of Calvados I opened last Christmas will still be ok this year? Better try it before I pass it round...

Gally it's simple - you cram all the chocolates in your mouth, then turn the box over to see what you're eating!

You could do what my grand-daughter used to do - take a bite out of each and if you don't like it, put it back in the box with the bitten bit on the bottom.

I've just opened a box of chocolates - just testing them before bringing them into the Grotto to share out ; can someone please tell me why in the name of * * * * * the 'menu' is printed underneath the box . I have chocolates all over the floor as I contort my body to read upside down!

Flickety - sounds very uncomfortable!

Notsogrand Rats! Outed (although not so sure age wise!!)

My youngest daughter phoned yesterday and was telling me she'd spent £34 in Hobbycraft to make a Christmas hat - her company is having a competition. She was ever so proud, it's BIG, a complete festive house apparently. I told her I dreaded to think what sort of Mother she'd be, come the Nativity play season..she said she'd be investigating renting lambs and sourcing tea towels from Bethlehem. She certainly doesn't get it from me

List, list

Yes, pine trees Greatnan - they smell lovely!

Whose feet are those, poking out from under that mound of snow?

I thought the idea was to be cosy. I prefer not to have cold feet - or do I have to go and get my hot water bottle?

I've set up an ice rink outside the grotto, if anyone fancies their chances? Skating boots are hung up ready - all sizes. Help yourself

germolene and bandages on the shelf!

We have just had a severe hail storm, would that help? Little icy balls glittering in the sunlight, good god did I really write that? Oh well you know what I mean, or does that make it even worse!

I could bring a couple of tons - it is falling thickly outside my window! How about some very tall pine trees too?