Oh well, Christmas is nearly here again and we have been doing all those things that you do as it approaches.

I'm looking forward to it this year as I am not working for six whole days, now I don't have to do shifts.

The luxury of weekends and bank holidays off is something I am still getting used to after 17 years of nursing shifts.

I am planning log fires, mulled wine and all the other things normal people do at this time of year.

Having a peaceful Christmas is something we have been striving for. In the 17 years I was nursing, I had six Christmases off.

As usual I have been very organised and bought and written all my Christmas cards.

As usual I will probably forget to post them until Christmas Eve, which means everyone will receive them on January 6.

I have used the excuse of Christmas being my birthday to lay the law down and have said it is my turn to dictate the theme of the Christmas decorations this year.

Him indoors and daughter like as much colour and sparkly stuff as possible, preferably on every available surface, which means the house ends up looking like Hanningtons' grotto.

I like the sort of arty decorations that they do in the magazines where the tree has a few home-baked decorations hanging off it and there are a couple of silver candles on the mantlepiece with fresh ivy entwined around them.

It usually starts off like that and then I come home to find my "boring" decorations have been revamped with twinkling coloured lights and scarlet tinsel around all the picture frames.

I am, however, determined to be selfish and have my way this year and go for the minimal effect I want for a change. Probably won't happen but I can always dream.