My maternal grandmother was from Yorkshire and was also a woman of some substance. She lived near us, so was part of our daily lives. I remember her rice pudding, her apple pie and jam tarts. On a special occasion, she'd make (jelly) trifle. I remember Sunday roast dinners (lunches) at her house. But I can't for the life of me remember Xmas Days. Isn't that odd?

Two generations on, Xmas Days are a bit of a palaver - Dad, Mum, Mum's second husband, 4 children and spouses, 8 grandchildren and most of them have partners, and the great grandkids starting to come along. Sometimes my aunty and one of my cousins. Seldom less than 20 of us. And food for miles, enough for 3 times as many people.