I love Christmas. The eating of food and drinking of drink you wouldn't touch at any other time of year. The giving and receiving of presents (especially when someone gives you something that either makes you think 'Thank you, I didn't know this thing existed but it genuinely will make my life better' or makes you wonder 'What the? Is that how you see me?') and the time spent with family.

A few years ago those of us in the Power house-hold realised that all we wanted to eat on Christmas day was the dinner and trimmings so someone came up with the genius idea of spreading the meal throughout the day so we could actually enjoy it and not waste time consuming unnecessary items such a sensible breakfast. Ever since then, Christmas day begins for us with a brunch of deep-fried camembert (with my pear jam of course), smoked salmon and brown bread and a spoon of mushroom risotto. Add in plenty of cups of tea, some glasses of champagne (or P&T for me) and we're all fuelled up for our annual walk around the village in the cold, which helps us to rebuild our appetite for later and makes us appreciate the fire and present giving even more.

Feet warmed, presents unwrapped and snoozes had, it's soon time for the main meal which is traditional and delicious.

One new addition this year is a new brussels sprouts dish. Brussel sprouts, and the love or hate of them, splits our family. Ok, I think it's actually just me who hates them but I'm sure I hate them enough to counteract everyone else's love. But being a sucker for tradition I always eat a couple. This year my kind sister has rescued me from that torture by cooking what Jamie Oliver has called Tasty Shredded Brussels and fortunately they live up to their name.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of beading, watching bad Christmas TV, playing the name game and reading my new Twisted Stitches book.

I hope you all had as good a day as I did.