venta

While eating my breakfast this morning, I read a letter from the mother. She keeps this up weekly, despite me having been an atrocious return correspondent for the past year, which is lovely of her.

Anyway, she appears to have been eating mince pies, trundling round stately homes ogling Christmas decorations, going on lovely frosty walks and flash-mobbing shopping centres with carols.

Frankly, I'm jealous. I have been working, organising rapper things, and generally trying to keep on top of ordinary life. It is not even beginning to feel a little bit like Christmas.

In an attempt to fabricate some Christmas cheer, I invite you to join in:

It's not festive rocket science. You leave a tradition from your Christmas in the comments here (they're screened). You receive in return a tradition from someone else's Christmas. Incorporate it into yours and (if you feel inclined) tell us about it.

Open to all comers, the more the merrier. General seasonally-cheerful non-Christmas traditions also welcome.

Make it practical, people: don't suggest something massively disruptive, massively expensive or which can't be organised in the next week.

And remember! Traditions have to start somewhere. Don't feel you've got one to share? Make one up! We won't know.

If they are any takers, I'll post a list up shortly. If you'd like me to email you your tradition, leave your address in your comment.

And if you fancy a bit of festive fun but can't be arsed with all this participatory nonsense, you should try sprout conkers.