[Gayle]

Despite all my planning I always forget one thing - not the same thing every year I hasten to add. And it's not as though I've forgotten to buy that thing it's just that I've forgotten to cook it.

One year it was the parsnips - after we'd eaten our meal I realised that there was a tray of uncooked parsnips waiting on the surface that I'd forgotten to put in. Another year I found the unopened jar of cranberry sauce in the cupboard the day after and realised what I'd missed off the table. Another year it was custard - again found it in the cupboard the day after.

I really thought I'd got it all this year but of course I hadn't. This year what did I forget - stuffing! As I was delving into the cupboards to find the mince pies and cake for afters I saw the unopened box of Paxo! Aaaaarggggh! Oh, well, there's always next year to get it right!