So here it is!

Was it time for Stephen to put the sparkle back into Christmas?

- Linda Lewis

When I arrived for my afternoon session at the charity shop, Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade was playing. It's such an annoying song. Every year, I hope I've heard the last of it, but like a bad penny, it keeps bouncing back.

Helen was working on the window display. It was a riot of colour with too many snowmen and penguins to count, plus six Santas and four trees. In pride of place sat a hamper – first prize in the Christmas draw.

'Hi, Stephen. You're just in time.' Helen pointed to a box containing several sets of lights. 'Have a go at untangling these. You can start dressing the trees while I sort out the new donations.'

I'd just finished decorating the second tree when Anna Brown came into the shop. She moved into the house opposite mine a few weeks ago.

She saw me, knee-deep in tinsel and lights, and grinned. 'It's so Christmassy in here. Don't you just love it?'

I could hardly say no, so I nodded while I started on another string of lights.

'Can you settle an argument for me? My sister says Die Hard isn't a Christmas film. What do you think?'

'Well it's set at Christmas, so that makes it a Christmas film. Personally, I prefer It's a Wonderful Life.'

Anna clapped her hands. 'That's my favourite! My family won't watch it because it's in black and white.'

I shook my head. 'They don't know what they're missing.'

'I agree. It's great finding somebody on my wavelength.'

After buying some books, she came over to the window. 'Seeing as we're neighbours, could you call at my place on your way home? I need a guinea pig to taste-test my mince pies for me.'

After I lost my wife, several ladies invited me round to dinner, Helen included. It was too soon, so I turned them all down, but mince pies are a weakness. My late wife made them – rich, full of fruit and bursting with flavour.

I said I'd pop round some time after five. 'I can't stay long, though.'