Realms of Glory.

A day of high octane excitement. Every present carefully examined by cold wet noses. Wrapping paper shredded and then dragged off to unseen nooks and crannies. Ribbons leisurely gummed until they form small gelatinous balls . Caroline the 'unhappy' cleaning lady is going to have a field day.

Bob plays the role of host. In and out of the drawing room, up and down the stairs, a picture of conviviality as the champagne is poured. His sister takes up residence in the kitchen. Why socialize when there's turkey around ?

Christmas Day ends with the electronic chiming system in the church belfry suffering some kind of malfunction. Everything is as it should be until six in the evening whereupon it starts to chime maniacally. Sixteen chimes ( twice ) and a peel at seven. Seventeen chimes and two peels at eight. At eight thirty the man in the day glo yellow jacket opens up the church. The lights go on, the system is disconnected, the chimes stop. It proves to be a silent night.

Bob and Sophie would like to stay up for the festivities but by ten they're out for the count. Shepherding an unruly herd is hard work.