"I'll see you next Friday then" said Ms J in her usual way as we exchanged our gifts of shopping (for her) and liberal dose of antibac handgel (for me) on the doorstep.

"Oh no" I reply "Next Friday is Christmas Day, so it won't be me...but it might be Santa".

"Is it really Christmas next Friday?" she asks.

"Yes" I say, "but if you ask nicely one of the elves might be able to visit on Wednesday instead".

She smiles, and in the background her phone rings and I leave her to go and speak to the workshop about arranging next week's visit.