I'm not convinced by this one, but I don't think it's too terrible and I need to get on with the 11th, so I hope it's OK :) Hugs to Amy, Lizzi, Emma (for your two!), and Charlotte for your reviews, thank you so much, and hope you're all now feeling suitably Christmasy! Lizzi- have you been reading my plan, tomorrow's chapter involves Harry trying to find a last-minute babysitter! I would write you in, though I'm afraid I've already written it :( But you'll be top of Harry and Nikki's list for next time :)

Love Flossie xxx

Sunday 8th December 2019

Nikki's Diary

-9.02am

"Mummy, I'm confused!"

Oops, think must have made today's clue for advent treasure hunt too difficult. Not like Josi to give up this easily.

"Are you, darling?"

"Yes. I don't understand your clue."

"Do you not? What don't you understand about it?"

"It says 'Christmas 1990.'"

"And?"

"And Christmas 1990 has been and gone." Has 'Mummy-you-are-being-a-complete-idiot' look written all over face, think she might think have made a mistake with the date? Hmm. Is going to have to take it all back soon when realizes am actually genius. Well, maybe not genius, don't think it takes much talent to hide packet of haribo, but still.

"Yep, that's right, it has. So think about it: where in this flat if there something from Christmas 1990?" Not going to help her out on this one, will be so much more fun watching her try to work it out.

Ohhh, she's screwing her face up in confusion now; looks well and truly stumped. Ha.

"I've already tried the TARDIS mug. And there was nothing in there."

Wow, that's actually quite a good idea, didn't think of that. Children really do have most amazing imaginations. Either that, or watch way too much TV.

"OK, so not the TARDIS mug. So think: where else is there something from Christmas 1990?"

Is frowning now, clearly not impressed. "Well I don't know, do I? That's… that's… that's 21 years before I was born, so how am I meant to know which things in this flat are from Christmas 1990 and which are from… from Easter 2005?" Sounds like she's getting frustrated now, had better help her out before she loses interest.

"OK, I'll give you a hint. It's not so much something from Christmas 1990, it's something that shows you something that happened at Christmas 1990. Does that help?"

"Umm…" she's thinking now, still looks rather baffled though think brain might be beginning to kick into gear. "Is it a photograph?"

"It might be." Don't want to give too much away, though think she's likely to suss it out within seconds now. Is ridiculously quick for an 8 year old at the best of times.

"But there are loads of photographs in this house! How am I meant to know which one I'm looking for?"

Hmm, maybe not as quick as previously thought.

"OK, one last clue. But after this one, you're on your own! Don't you go thinking I'm going to give you 3 hints in a row!"

"OK then. So what is it?"

"Where are we going for Christmas?"

"Auntie Sara and Uncle Pieter's?"

"Less specific."

"Cape Town?"

Ohhh, she's got it. Well, hint number 2, at least. "Maybe, maybe not. I'm not telling you!"

"Which, of course means 'yes.' Hmm… OK… so a photograph of Christmas 1990 in Cape Town… so that must be one of yours, not one of Daddy's, right? Hmm… ohhh, OK, back in a minute!"

She's running out of the room now, if is heading for mine and Harry's bedroom then is on the right lines. Have balanced packet of haribo on top of framed photo of self and own mother taken on beach on Christmas Day 1990 on photo-collage wall of bedroom; thought this one might pose more of a challenge to her than some of Harry's hiding places so far. And no risk of haribos becoming sticky, melted mess on top of photo frame, unlike Harry's mini chocolate bar in the airing cupboard last weekend. Still haven't managed to work out how he could have possibly been so stupid. Calls himself a doctor yet apparently doesn't know that chocolate melts in the airing cupboard.

-9.04am

Speaking of darling fiancé, is due back from run around park (in what remains of snow, is completely mad) any minute, so should probably get on with sewing so can give off impression of having had extremely productive morning so far. Josi in Christmas dance show next weekend, so have been given unenviable task of sewing about a million sequins onto navy blue leotard in star shape, so can do star solo to twinkly music. Have done 12 so far and eyes already going funny- think might need glasses. And sewing lessons. Mrs C is brilliant at this sort of thing, really wish could take it round to her place. Trouble is, have already given her sugar plum fairy tutu to make glittery, and last week had to get her to attach elastic to new ballet shoes. Will be so glad when this is over.

-9.05am

"Mummy, I've found it!"

"Have you? Well done! Right, so now you've finished your treasure hunt, you can come and write your Christmas cards and keep me company while I finish making your costume."

Face contorting into frown now, doesn't look particularly impressed.

"Do I have to? It's not Christmas for another… another… another 17 days, so why do I have to write my cards now?"

"Because we've got to stick half of them in the post to South Africa, and that's going to take over a week at this time of year." Left it too late last year and cards failed to arrive until 4 days after Christmas, therefore am trying to get family organised this year. Emphasis on the word 'trying'.

"So can't I just write my cards to people like Ouma and Auntie Sara and Uncle Pieter and Anouk now, and do the others later?" Don't think she's quite getting the point.

"Or, even better, you could just write them all now, and then you won't have to worry about them next week. Look, I've found you a nice pink gel pen, and I've even dug out the list of all the children in your class so you'll know you've got a card for everyone. All you have to do is actually write the cards, Josi, it's not going to take long."

"Fine. But only if I can use the penguin Christmas cards."

-9.07am

Grrrrr, so bored of sewing sequin after bloody sequin, am seriously contemplating getting Joycelin to do it herself. Then again, maybe not such a good idea, as would probably end up stabbing herself with needle. Maybe is best to just let her get on with writing her Christmas cards.

-9.08am

"Mummy? What's Anouk's address?"

Ohhh, must mean Joycelin has written at least one Christmas card; if nothing else, is a start.

"Oh, don't worry about that, darling, I'll stick it in the envelope with Danika's card from all of us, OK, it'll save money on postage."

"Oh, OK. Mummy?"

"Hmm?"

"Are Danika and Anouk going to be at Auntie Sara and Uncle Pieter's at Christmas?"

"Well, probably not on Christmas Day, but knowing your Auntie Sara there'll be a party at hers a couple of days before Christmas, and Anouk will be at that, I'm sure." The pair of them haven't seen each other in a shocking 4 months, think are missing each other, despite constant chatting on Skype. Really, really don't understand how pair of 8 year olds can possibly have so much to talk about. Then again, Josi can be right chatterbox when gets going; sometimes is difficult to remember is still only little when having conversation with her about the moral implications of British troops occupying and controlling parts of Afghanistan. Think might have to put a limit on amount of time allow her to spend watching the news.

-9.09am

Ohhh, detect movement from hallway.

-9.10am

Yep, as predicted, is wonderfully sweaty fiancé, slightly muddy and cold-looking. Have no sympathy for him; is not as if was forced to go out running in this weather.

-9.11am

Urgh, is trying to give me kiss, refuse to cooperate until has had shower. Love Harry very much, but do not want sweaty kiss. Yuck.

Except darling fiancé is just not getting the hint.

"Harry! Harry, it's not funny, get off! Harry!" Too late, damage already done, might as well enjoy sweaty kiss. Will get round to killing him later.

Once have finished with those bloody sequins, that is.