Santa's little elfers

What a lovely way to get into the festive season.... great to see so many of the Portsmouth crew embracing the Christmas hats, gloves and even some very impressive festive leggings and socks. How will we up the ante next week?!

This week's celebrations included Val finally getting to wear the crazy celebration cap to commemorate her 50th good deed and Rosie supplying us with some lovely chocolate cake and mince pies to celebrate her birthday tomorrow plus a thanksgiving pumpkin pie from Maxine - all very much appreciated and enjoyed post fitness session.

Despite the chilly temperatures, spirits were still high as we set off to decorate the Baffins Pond Association compound in readiness for Santa's visit. The runners and walkers arrived at the same time (excellent work by all) and once we'd rounded up Ellie from the other side of the pond, we all got stuck in to hanging baubles, twisting tinsel and untangling lights. Val and Lynn were tasked with washing up cups and then wrapping boxes which will be added to the sleigh which is touring Baffins later in the week (check out the community missions listings to get involved with that).

Michael and Kat showed superb dedication to the light hanging task, climbing up a tree to make sure the lights were evenly spread out. Not sure what the elf & safety officer would have to say about that though!!

India and Sam took on the challenge of completing the decoration of Santa's shed (sorry, grotto!) and then posed the question, how many GoodGymers can you get into a shed? The answer is 15 - at a squeeze! I'm not sure the picture really does it justice though.

How will we better the festivity next week? Well, it'll have to be in outfits as there will be less tinsel in the task! We're off to help the foodbank sort through all the Christmas donations. Sign up here for that one. But before that, there's the Fratton Festival of Light tomorrow, sleigh accompaniment on Friday and Monday, Christmas party on Saturday and Santa Run on Sunday. Have an amazing week!