" I will live in the past, the present and the future! " Scrooge repeated, as he scrambled out of bed. " The spirits of all three shall strive within me. Oh Jacob Marley! Heaven, and the Christmas time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob, on my knees! "

It was not until I was an adult that I read Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol. I have heeded the advice of all three of Scrooge's ghosts and tried to live my life in accordance with their lessons of forgiveness, charity, kindness and love. As a business woman, I have kept those very same lessons close to my heart. I can see clearly in my mind, the awakening of Scrooge both physically and mentally on Christmas morning and how the spirit of renewal coursed through his veins. I will always think of that at this time of the year and indeed, every day of my life.

Our holiday will be very quiet. Just Phil, Jacob and me exchanging gifts and feasting all day. We will watch a movie or two, take a walk, relax and hug each other many times today. For this day shall be the best ever, the Christmas we have survived the end of the world, the Christmas we are yet all together, the Christmas that is the memory of Jacob's youth.

Merry Christmas to all and the happiest ever of days to you! xo