Reindeer!

Whilst out doing some last minute Christmas shopping with my 2 year old nephew, he suddenly points up towards a pillar and shouts "Reindeer!", followed by the obligatory rendition of 'Jingle Bells' much to the entertainment of all around. Indeed, there were many white reindeers mounted on the walls of Mann's in Cranleigh (which to my delight is Cranleigh's answer to John Lewis, particularly as the bad weather had restricted my movements on Christmas Eve) and this was an fabulous way of keeping little Leo happy as uncle Geraint trudged around looking for a few final Christmas treats.

When I finally found some suitable items in the kitchenware department, I parked Leo up next to the Christmas crockery while I perused the shelves for something to fill a few stockings. This was wonderful for Leo as he studied the pictures of Santa and his elves being pulled along by his reindeer. The lady behind the counter was unfortunately not as impressed with Leo's singing and chattering as the other people we had seen earlier had been; she didn't even wish us a "Merry Christmas" as we left the shop. Well, it didn't stop us from having a very pleasant Christmas Eve, and it was thoroughly enjoyable to go to the local church after our shopping to see the Nativity, including a real live donkey.