Home for the HOLIDAYS

Tara's hunky neighbour Nick was just being friendly - wasn't he?

- S Bee

Ah, right. So Phil can't take you? Well, I can drive you and Jack to the Christmas tree place, Tara,' my new neighbour Nick offered.

'Oh, that's a kind offer. I know it's a bit early, but we like to go before the best trees are snapped up.'

He nodded. 'That's fine.'

I smiled. 'After I've collected Jack from school, we can head out, if that's OK?'

'Of course it is! I'll pop round later this afternoon, about 3.30pm.'

'See you then!' I waved, as Nick ambled away from the front doorstep.

I was so relieved that I didn't have to disappoint my six-year-old son Jack. Visiting the plantation and choosing a tree (to be delivered to our home later) every year was one of our favourite family Christmas traditions.

But my hubby Phil couldn't make it this year because he was working. He'd generously offered to cover shifts for his colleagues who were off sick with winter colds and flu. It meant extra duties, but he didn't like to let his employer down. Phil used our car for work too.

So if Jack and I wanted to make the trip to choose a tree, we needed to catch two buses there, and two back.

What if it was bad weather? I mused. I didn't relish the thought of the two of us standing at bus stops in the chilly, deepening darkness, clutching an umbrella. And I'd need to wrap Jack up in wellies and a thick, waterproof anorak.

My mind flew back to our visit last year... The plantation lit up at dusk. It was so magical wandering around the sparkly woodland paths with illuminated snowmen, robins and squirrels. Pretty little fairies danced everywhere, alongside smiley gingerbread men.

There was a cafe too that sold yummy hot chocolate and homemade mince pies...

With Nick accompanying us, I prayed we wouldn't bump into any of my neighbours. I hoped they would be too busy with their own Christmas preparations to start any gossip!