The big Father Christmas question

This will be Tibbons's third Christmas - but arguably the first where he's really been able to appreciate the build-up and the sense of anticipation ahead of the day itself.

I had thought that was the case, anyway, until yesterday when a friend asked T if he was looking forward to Christmas - not a flicker of emotion, nor a glimmer of recognition from him that this day of presents, food, and family would soon roll around.

Assuming that Tibbons was just playing it cool and does, in fact, realise that there's a reason we and all our friends and family have suddenly brought the outdoors indoors in the form of rather unwieldy Christmas trees, Daddy-O and I may face a bit of a parenting conundrum this festive season in the form of a rather jolly, plump fellow with a love of mince pies.