My body is finally resolving the 37 years of inconsistency in Christmas. The eurocentric carols and cards featuring warm coats, red cheeks and frosty snowmen never quite reflected the realities of previous years gathered around a swimming pool avoiding sunburn. This year the wreath on the door has real red berries, holly grows in every hedge and the nippy mornings make the thought of snowmen more credible.

We visited the Continental Market at the Belfast City Hall yesterday. A food fest where the German salami was served in a German accent, Dutchmen make chocolate waffles and miniture pancakes instead of koeksisters and bad english teachers and the Swiss hot chocolate was served by a real Swiss Miss.

We ate our way around the market: Frankfurters, pancakes and my personal favourite - a wild boar burger!

Zeek talked in church today. I was amazed by his confidence as he calmly faced the congregation and delivered his message flawlessly. If he can do this at 10 years old what will he be doing at 20?