Friday, December 27th, 1940

Dear Joan,

Well Christmas is over and I hope you all had a very jolly time. I expect you did, because I think the Americans have a lot of fun. We had a nice time at Dora’s and they are coming to have tea with us on Sunday. Best of all it was very peaceful with no air-raid warnings – everybody was so thankful for that. After tea, Dora opened a Xmas log and there was a little parcel for each one. Daddy and Mr Gleadhall had a shaving stick, Dora a pencil sharpener, Anne and John had eggcups with serviette rings to match, Nanny had a knitting-bag and I had a tray-cloth that Dora had worked and she had really done them very nicely. I expect you will soon be learning embroidery work. The twins were very lucky with their Xmas parcels, and were very excited about it all. But we missed not having any of our own people with us. The aunties and uncles live so far away, and the holiday was short so they couldn’t come this year.

I wonder if you have had any snow yet. We haven’t, it has been quite nice weather though. Do you remember last Christmas when Daddy took you to Grandma’s and it was so foggy? And then we had very thick snow after. We haven’t received your parcel with your photo yet, but perhaps it will come next week. We are looking forward to it so much.

Nanny sends her love and kisses to you, and John and Anne too. I hope you all have a Very Happy New Year. Love to Teddy and Sandy. Lots of love and kisses, darling.

From Mummy
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