At this time of year I traditionally say, 'thank fook it will all soon be over and the new year will soon be here'.

I relish struggling to get served in my local as the once a yearers crowd the bar with their phoney false bonhomie b0llocks.

How about Christmas traditions you miss? As a wee lad I used to love taking the dog for a walk with my dad late on Christmas Eve. My mind's eye tells me they were all cold, crisp, crystal clear nights and I could hear distant sleigh bells in the stars.

Mum sneaking in a few hours after lights out to fill the stocking at the end of my bed with silly, cheap trinkets. The moment you went downstairs in the morning in your dressing gown and first saw the presents by the tree. Always one 'big' present and a small pile of smaller ones. Never too much, never too little.

After opening the presents, making toast and a brew for breakfast and all sitting round in our pyjamas and dressing gowns chatting and watching Christmas morning telly while someone put all the wrapping paper in a bin bag, and glancing outside desperately hoping for snow.

Grandma insisting we all be quiet for the Queen's Speech. "Merry Christmas, ma'am."

Waiting for the big afternoon Christmas film - ET, Wizard of Oz, etc.

Good times. Very, very lucky to have a great family and once my little one arrives it'll be time to make some traditions of my own.

Whatever happened to Lesley Crowther visiting sick children in hospital on christmas morning ?

He died?

Was he not replaced by Jimmy Saville

Ah yes, that would do it then.