After all the logistical challenges I faced in organising it, I’m delighted to report that yesterday’s festive lunch was an outright success – so much so, in fact, that I’d go so far as to say I’d consider doing it all over again next year. There was festive cheer in abundance (assisted in no small part by an impromptu appearance from Santa Claus and his talking Christmas tree assistant), the pub itself proved to be the perfect Christmassy venue and, despite the lack of turkey, the meal was nothing short of stupendous. All in all a fantastic way to kick start the festive season.

What I loved most of all about yesterday was looking around the room and seeing friends making new connections with people they hadn’t previously met, who I had deliberately sat them with because I had a feeling they would hit it off. It was lovely knowing I had played a part in bringing people together, and the smiles on everyone’s faces from the moment they arrived right up to the moment they left will stay with me for a long time to come.

I was also pleased with the reactions to the presents I selected for “Santa” to hand out – an assortment of retro toys I knew most people would remember from their childhoods, including whoopee cushions, rubix cubes, scented bubbles and slinky springs. One friend who works as a therapist with children was particularly pleased with her silly putty, which she said would be perfect to use in her therapy sessions. In short, I really couldn’t have asked for more. Ho, ho, ho!