That's Food and Drink: Dragon Stout: Jamaica’s Bold and Legendary Beer

That's Food and Drink: Dragon Stout: Jamaica’s Bold and Legendary Beer: If you’re fascinated by iconic beers with character and history, Dragon Stout from Jamaica deserves a prime spot on your radar.  With its ri...

A New Year’s Toast Without the Fizz: Why Beer Can Be the Perfect Alternative

There’s a powerful expectation that seeing in the New Year must involve a cork popping and a flute of something sparkling held aloft at midnight. 

Champagne, Prosecco, Cava – they’ve become part of the cultural shorthand for celebration. But sometimes life intervenes, plans change, and the shops are simply out of reach.

This New Year’s Eve, with flu firmly keeping us housebound, the traditional sparkling wine run just wasn’t happening. And honestly? That turned out to be no bad thing at all.

Instead, we’re welcoming the New Year with a couple of bottles of Leffe – and it feels like a celebration perfectly suited to the moment.

Letting Go of the Sparkle Myth

There’s nothing magical about bubbles themselves. What matters is the act of pausing, reflecting, and marking the passing of one year into the next. Sparkling wine has simply become the default, not the rule.

When you’re under the weather, overly acidic or highly carbonated drinks can be less appealing anyway. Beer – particularly a well-made Belgian abbey-style beer – offers warmth, depth, and comfort rather than sharpness and fizz.

Why Leffe Works So Well for New Year’s Eve

Leffe is not a “quick pint” beer. It’s a beer that asks to be sipped and appreciated, which makes it ideal for a quieter, more reflective New Year.

Rich, rounded flavours – gentle sweetness, soft spice, and malt warmth

Lower carbonation than sparkling wine, making it easier to drink when you’re not feeling at your best

A sense of occasion – it’s still a bottled, poured, glass-worthy drink

Comforting rather than bracing, perfect for a night in

Whether it’s Leffe Blonde with its honeyed smoothness or Leffe Brune with its deeper, caramel notes, it feels intentional rather than second-best.

Celebrating at Home, on Your Own Terms

There’s something quietly reassuring about seeing the New Year in from the sofa, wrapped in blankets, listening to the distant sound of fireworks through the window. No crowds, no pressure, no forced cheerfulness – just the shared acknowledgement that you made it through another year.

Raising a glass of beer rather than sparkling wine doesn’t diminish the moment. If anything, it makes it more honest. It reflects where you are, how you’re feeling, and what you actually want rather than what tradition says you should want.

A Gentle Toast to the Year Ahead

So tonight, our toast isn’t loud or extravagant. It’s a simple clink of beer glasses, a shared smile, and a quiet hope that the coming year brings better health, calmer days, and more small moments worth savouring.

If you’re also spending New Year’s Eve unwell, snowed in, or simply choosing comfort over convention, consider this your permission slip: the New Year doesn’t care what’s in your glass.

Sometimes, a good beer is exactly the right way to begin again.

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Even If You’ve Had the Flu Jab: A Winter Warning About This Year’s Severe Flu

For many of us, having the flu vaccination feels like ticking an important winter health box. 

You do the sensible thing, protect yourself and others, and expect that if flu does strike, it will at least be mild.

This winter, that expectation has not always been met.

Despite vaccination, a significant number of people across the UK are still contracting an unusually aggressive strain of influenza, often referred to in everyday language as “super flu”. My wife and I both caught it while attending a funeral shortly before Christmas. 

I have been unwell, but my wife has been particularly badly affected, with symptoms that have lingered and hit far harder than a typical seasonal illness.

This experience has prompted us to share a warning, not to discourage vaccination, but to encourage realistic expectations, vigilance, and early self-care.

Are This Year’s Flu Vaccines “Not Working”?

It’s important to be clear and factual.

Flu vaccines are not failing outright, but this season they appear to be less effective at preventing infection for some people. This can happen when:

Circulating flu strains mutate after vaccines are produced

Multiple influenza strains circulate at once

Individual immune responses vary

Protection reduces over time, particularly in winter peaks

Vaccination still reduces the risk of hospitalisation, pneumonia, and death, which is why the NHS continues to recommend it, especially for older adults, carers, and those with underlying conditions.

However, this year has shown clearly that being vaccinated does not guarantee you won’t get flu — or that it will be mild.

How This “Super Flu” Is Presenting

Many people report symptoms that are stronger, longer-lasting, and more debilitating than a standard cold or flu, including:

Severe exhaustion that doesn’t lift with rest

Persistent chesty or dry cough

High fever and chills lasting several days

Headaches and muscle pain

Loss of appetite and nausea

Chest tightness or breathlessness

Lingering weakness well into recovery

For some, symptoms are lasting two to three weeks, even in otherwise healthy adults.

What You Can Do at Home If You Catch It

If symptoms are manageable and you’re not in a high-risk group, home care is often appropriate — but it needs to be taken seriously.

1. Rest Properly (Not “Pushing Through”)

This is not a flu to power through. Rest is not optional.

Stay in bed or on the sofa

Avoid physical exertion

Reduce screen time if headaches worsen

Returning to normal activity too soon can prolong recovery.

2. Hydration Is Critical

Flu dehydrates you quickly.

Sip water regularly

Warm drinks can ease coughing

Oral rehydration drinks can help if appetite is low

Dark urine or dizziness are signs you’re not drinking enough.

3. Fever and Pain Relief

Paracetamol can help reduce fever and aches

Ibuprofen may help with inflammation if suitable for you

Avoid combining medicines unnecessarily

Always follow UK dosage guidance.

4. Ease Chest and Breathing Symptoms

Steam inhalation or warm showers may ease congestion

Keep rooms well-ventilated but warm

Sleep slightly propped up if coughing worsens at night

If breathing becomes laboured or painful, seek medical advice immediately.

5. Support the Immune System

While not cures, the following may help recovery:

Light, nourishing foods (soups, broths)

Honey and lemon or orange for sore throats (not for children under one)

Adequate vitamin intake through diet

Avoid alcohol — it can worsen dehydration and fatigue.

When to Seek Medical Help

Do not rely solely on home care if any of the following occur:

Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Fever lasting more than 5 days

Blue lips or extreme drowsiness

Confusion or collapse

Symptoms worsening after initial improvement

Contact NHS 111, your GP, or emergency services as appropriate.

A Final Word of Caution

This winter’s flu is not something to dismiss as “just a bad cold” — even if you’ve done everything right and had your jab.

Vaccination still matters. Hygiene still matters. But listening to your body, resting properly, and acting early matter just as much.

If you’re attending gatherings, funerals, or crowded indoor events, be aware that flu is circulating widely — and hitting harder than many expect.

Please take care of yourselves — and each other.

Making Your Own Christmas Mincemeat from Scratch. Because Christmas baking should smell like Christmas

There’s something deeply comforting about making your own Christmas mincemeat from scratch. 

It’s one of those quietly magical kitchen rituals that instantly makes the house smell like Christmas itself, citrus, spice, fruit, and a hint of festive indulgence drifting through the air.

At That’s Christmas 365, we’re firm believers Christmas isn’t just a date in December, it’s a feeling you can summon at any time of year. And homemade mincemeat is one of the simplest ways to do exactly that.

Forget the idea that mincemeat is fiddly or old-fashioned. In reality, it’s straightforward, endlessly adaptable, and once you’ve made it yourself, shop-bought versions rarely compare.

What Is Christmas Mincemeat, Really?

Despite the name, modern Christmas mincemeat no longer contains no meat at all. It’s a rich mixture of dried fruits, sugar, spice, citrus zest, fat (traditionally suet), and alcohol. Historically it did include meat, but today’s version is all about flavour, texture, and festive warmth.

It’s the heart of mince pies, but it’s also wonderful spooned into pastries, stirred through cake batter, or layered into festive desserts.

Why Make Your Own?

Making your own mincemeat gives you:

Complete control over sweetness and spice

Freedom to adjust alcohol levels (or skip it entirely)

Better texture and fresher flavour

A deeply festive kitchen experience

It also makes a lovely homemade gift when spooned into a jar, tied with ribbon, and labelled with the year.

A Classic Homemade Christmas Mincemeat Recipe

This recipe is traditional, reliable, and easy to adapt.

Ingredients

300g raisins

300g sultanas

200g currants

100g mixed peel

1 large cooking apple, grated (skin on)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Zest and juice of 1 orange

150g dark brown sugar, or maple sugar

100g shredded suet (vegetable suet works perfectly)

2 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

A pinch of salt

100ml brandy, rum, or whisky (to taste)

Method

Mix everything except the alcohol in a large bowl until well combined.

Cover and leave overnight so the flavours can begin to mingle.

The next day, stir through the alcohol.

Spoon into sterilised jars, seal, and store in a cool, dark place.

Your mincemeat will be usable almost immediately, but it improves dramatically after two to four weeks.

Customising Your Mincemeat

One of the joys of making mincemeat from scratch is making it yours.

You might like to try:

A splash of orange liqueur instead of brandy

Chopped dried cherries or cranberries for sharpness

A little grated fresh ginger for warmth

Vanilla or almond extract for depth

Replacing some sugar with maple syrup or honey,or use sugar alternatives

There’s no single “correct” version – just the one that tastes like Christmas to you.

How Long Does Homemade Mincemeat Keep?

Properly jarred and stored, homemade mincemeat will keep for up to a year thanks to the sugar and alcohol. Always use a clean spoon when serving, and keep it refrigerated once opened.

If you’re making it well ahead of Christmas, give the jars an occasional gentle shake to redistribute the flavours.

Beyond Mince Pies

Yes, mince pies are the classic, but don’t stop there. Homemade mincemeat is brilliant in:

Festive traybakes

Christmas muffins

Puff pastry pinwheels

Sponge puddings

Layered trifles

It’s one of those ingredients that quietly elevates almost any bake into something unmistakably Christmassy.

A Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping

In a world of convenience, making your own Christmas mincemeat is a gentle reminder that some traditions are worth slowing down for. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or specialist skills – just time, care, and a love of Christmas flavours.

Whether you make it in July or late November, it’s a small act that brings the spirit of Christmas into your kitchen, one fragrant spoonful at a time.

And that, to us at That’s Christmas 365, is what Christmas is all about.

Broken Presents, Wrong Sizes & Christmas Let-Downs: How to Deal with Gift Mishaps Gracefully

Christmas morning is meant to be magical. The kettle’s on, wrapping paper is everywhere, and for a brief moment everything feels perfect. 

Then it happens: a present is broken straight out of the box, the jumper is two sizes too small, or the gadget simply isn’t what you hoped for.

If you’ve ever sat there smiling politely while thinking “Oh no…”, you’re not alone. 

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe that even the wobbly, disappointing bits of Christmas deserve kindness, perspective, and a practical plan.

Here’s how to deal with broken presents, wrong sizes, and festive mishaps—without spoiling the season.

First Things First: Pause Before You Panic

It’s completely normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or awkward—especially if the gift came from someone who clearly meant well. Before reacting:

Take a breath

Remind yourself that Christmas is about people, not perfection

Avoid reacting in the heat of the moment

A calm response now makes everything easier later.

Dealing with Broken or Faulty Gifts

If a present arrives damaged or doesn’t work properly, don’t assume all is lost.

What to Do Straight Away

Keep all packaging – boxes, receipts, and labels matter

Take photos of damage or faults as soon as possible

Check the retailer’s returns policy – many extend returns over Christmas

In the UK, consumer rights usually protect you if an item is faulty, even if it was a gift. Retailers are often far more accommodating in the festive period than at any other time of year.

If the Gift Was Bought Online

Online purchases are often easier to resolve. Many retailers allow:

Gift returns without the purchaser present

Exchanges rather than refunds

Extended January return windows

If you don’t have the receipt, ask the giver discreetly later—most people would much rather you have something usable than suffer in silence.

When the Size Is Wrong (Clothes, Shoes & Wearables)

Ah yes, the festive sizing lottery.

How to Handle It Politely

Thank the giver genuinely—it’s the thought that counts

Avoid trying things on publicly if you already know it won’t fit

Check the tag before removing it

Most clothing retailers allow size exchanges without fuss, especially around Christmas.

If You’re Unsure About an Exchange

Some people worry about offending the gift giver. Remember:

They chose the item because they care

Exchanging it ensures it’s actually worn and enjoyed

Keeping something that doesn’t fit helps no one

Kind honesty, handled gently, is rarely taken badly.

When the Gift Just Isn’t “You”

Not every present is broken or the wrong size—sometimes it’s simply… not your thing.

Before rushing to return it, consider:

Could it be re-gifted thoughtfully later?

Would a charity shop donation do genuine good?

Could it be repurposed or used creatively?

If you do return it, many shops will offer store credit—sometimes leading you to something you’d never have chosen yourself but end up loving.

What If You’re the One Who Gave the Problem Gift?

It happens to everyone at some point.

If someone tells you a present is broken or doesn’t fit:

Thank them for telling you

Reassure them it’s absolutely fine

Offer the receipt or help with an exchange

Grace goes both ways at Christmas.

Keeping Christmas in Perspective

A broken ornament, a faulty gadget, or a too-tight jumper can feel upsetting in the moment—but they don’t define the day.

Christmas memories are built from:

Shared meals

Familiar films

Quiet conversations

Laughter over small mishaps

Often, it’s the imperfect moments that become the stories we laugh about year after year.

A That’s Christmas 365 Thought

Christmas doesn’t need to be flawless to be meaningful.

If a present breaks, doesn’t fit, or misses the mark entirely, it’s not a failure—it’s just part of real life woven into the festive season. Handle it kindly, fix what you can, and let go of the rest.

After all, Christmas lasts far longer in the heart than it does under the tree.

Why We Chose to Celebrate Christmas for 365 Days a Year

For many years, That’s Christmas 365 followed a familiar and well-worn rhythm. 

We would pour our hearts into the season, celebrate Advent, revel in Christmas Day, enjoy the gentle lull of Twelfth Night… and then, quietly and contentedly, we would put Christmas to bed. 

The decorations would come down, the notebooks would close, and the blog would rest until late the following year.

And for a long time, that felt exactly right.

But something changed.

Christmas Was Never Really “Over”

As a married couple who live and breathe Christmas, we began to notice something we could no longer ignore: Christmas never truly leaves us. 

Even in February, there are moments of generosity that feel unmistakably Christmassy. In spring, there is hope and renewal. In summer, there are gatherings, shared meals, and kindness between neighbours. In autumn, anticipation quietly begins to build again.

The spirit of Christmas kept showing up — long after the tree was boxed away.

We realised that while the season of Christmas has a beginning and an end, the miracle of Christmas does not.

Readers Were Still With Us

Another turning point came from you.

Messages, emails, comments, and quiet interactions continued throughout the year. People weren’t just visiting us in December — they were returning in March, July, and October. They were reading reflections, revisiting traditions, seeking comfort, and looking for meaning that extended beyond a single month.

It became clear that That’s Christmas 365 wasn’t just a festive countdown site. It had become something gentler, deeper, and more enduring.

Christmas as a Way of Living

At its heart, Christmas is not only about one extraordinary day. It is about:

hope in dark moments

generosity without expectation

welcoming others

comfort, warmth, and reflection

love made practical

Those values do not expire on 26 December.

By expanding the remit to cover Christmas all year round, we gave ourselves permission to explore Christmas as a way of living — not just an annual event. That meant writing about kindness in January, gratitude in April, traditions in August, and preparation without pressure in October.

It meant allowing Christmas to breathe.

A Healthier Relationship with the Season

Ironically, celebrating Christmas all year has made December calmer.

Instead of cramming everything into a few frantic weeks, we can spread the joy, the planning, the memories, and the meaning across the year. There is less rush, less stress, and far more room for reflection.

Christmas becomes something we walk with — not something that overwhelms us and then disappears.

Staying True to What Christmas Means to Us

This decision was never about commercialising Christmas endlessly or pretending it is December every day of the year. It was about honouring what Christmas truly represents to us as a couple: continuity, faith, warmth, and shared humanity.

By keeping That’s Christmas 365 alive throughout the year, we are not extending the noise of Christmas — we are preserving its quiet miracle.

Christmas Lives Here, All Year Long

So this is why we no longer “put Christmas to bed”.

Because Christmas still speaks in January.

Because hope still matters in June.

Because kindness is always in season.

And because the miracle of Christmas was never meant to last for just a few weeks.

Welcome to Christmas — all year round.

Independent Cardiff pub North Star to close on New Year’s Eve

North Star, the be-loved independent community pub located at 131 North Road, Cardiff, CF14 3AE, has today announced it will close its doors permanently on New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2025. 

The closure brings to an end more than five years of trading under the North Star name, following its opening in August 2020, and marks the end of a pub site that has served Cardiff for well over a century. 

Despite extensive efforts to continue trading, rising costs and cost-of-living pressures have forced the closure of a much-loved independent Cardiff pub. The owners describe the decision as unavoidable in the current economic climate. 

Owner Tom Edwards told That's Christmas 365: “This is without question the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make, and it’s not what we wanted. We’ve explored every possible option to keep North Star going, but in the current climate we feel this is the only responsible choice left to us.” 

North Star has been one of the few truly independent pubs in the area, not owned or leased by a brewery. Since opening, it has built a reputation as a strong community pub and a safe, welcoming space for all, particularly for students, local residents, creatives and musicians. 

“North Star has never just been a pub, it’s been a community,” Tom Edwards added. 

The venue became best known for its Sunday roasts and food offering, quiz nights, karaoke, and for supporting local independent music, while also providing a consistent, inclusive space for people to gather. 

Manager David Rowlands said: “We’re immensely proud of what this pub has stood for. This place meant something to people, and that’s what hurts the most.”

A historic pub site on North Road 

The building at 131 North Road has a long and continuous history as a public house. 

Originally established as the Maindy Hotel, the site received its first provisional licence in October 1888, meaning it has operated as a pub for over 135 years. 

Over the decades, the venue has been known by several names, including the Maindy Hotel and later The College Tavern, before becoming North Star in 2020. 

“From the Maindy Hotel to the College Tavern to North Star, this building has always been a place for people.” 

The site’s longstanding role as a community gathering place — spanning generations of locals, students and visitors — underscores why its closure is more than the loss of a single business; it marks the end of a century-plus chapter in Cardiff’s social history. 

“This isn’t just the loss of a business,  it’s the end of a pub site that’s served Cardiff for more than a century.” 

Recognition and local profile 

North Star has consistently been recognised for its role within Cardiff’s social and hospitality scene: 

● WalesOnline has previously described North Star as a “Cardiff institution adored by students and locals alike.” 

● The Cardiff Tab has reported on North Star’s financial pressures, highlighting the venue’s importance to the student and local community. 

● The pub holds a 4.9/5 rating on Tripadvisor from over one hundred reviews, with consistent praise for its food, atmosphere and Sunday roasts. 

● North Star has been name-checked in wider Cardiff food commentary connected to coverage by respected food critic Jay Rayner, placing it among the city’s notable independent venues. 

● The venue was also highlighted in national press such as the Mirror, in coverage of broader hospitality challenges, demonstrating its relevance and resonance beyond Cardiff. 

The pub will continue trading through the festive period, with New Year’s Eve marking its final night of service. Customers are invited to join the team for a final send-off. 

The Cat's Nativity. A Story for Our Readers

It was Spring. While the days were getting warmer, it was still cold at night when you could see the stars, bright and twinkly in the sky. 

When I was a kitten I used to try and catch them. But now I am an adult cat I know I would have to jump very high to catch them, perhaps even twenty times my length- far too high for a cat!

I am not usually allowed in the part of the house where my people lived. Though I am sometimes allowed in, but I can see no reason why sometimes I am allowed in, but other times not. It is hard to work out what human people do. With cat people, it is easy.

My special human friend lives there with her parents. Usually we play together, sometimes we both cuddle up and sleep in front of the oven in the back room.

She is usually kind. Sometimes she oversteps the mark, but a thump with a paw or -occasionally- a slap with one claw across the back of her hand is enough to re-establish the limits. Well, you have to keep kittens in their place (even human ones) or very soon you would not know where you are!

The lady -the mistress- is kind enough to me and gets me food and water. Still, as she says, it's my job to kill any mice and rats that dare to enter her territory. It's an easy job for me, really.

The master is different. Although he swears about me, he is really secretly very fond of me, making a fuss of me when he thinks nobody is watching. Although he tells the mistress off for feeding me too much, he secretly feeds me much more tasty morsels than she EVER does!

The master always talks to me, as he paces up and down in the back room. But recently he began to become more and more angry. I don’t mind this, but I do have to be very wary of his legs and feet and try to keep out of his way, whilst doing my best to look attentive.

"It's a disgrace, cat!" he shouted. "How can we be expected to house all the hundreds of people who will be coming back to Bethlehem, just so they can be counted? The people know they exist, we know they exist, so what is the problem?"

"Don't tell me! -Its because a stupid Roman official thought up the idea. Mind you, cat, that’s all the Romans know about anything. Building straight roads through things, not round them like good, God fearing people, worshipping false idols and counting people for tax reasons, as if they were wine sponges to be squeezed!"

I sat watching him and listening attentively. I know my job!

He suddenly bent down and ruffled my fur and gave me a piece of meat. I purred as I eat it, just to show how much I appreciate his acts of kindness. In a way, I suppose I like him best of all my humans.

I was normally indifferent to the strangers who come. -I remember when I was a kitten I did not like them, but quickly I realised that humans kick you or tread on your tail usually because as their heads and eyes are in such a funny position they can't see anything in front of them properly! I Laughed when 

I worked this out. It seems such a sad deformity for them to be burdened with. So I do not laugh when they can see me. That would have been cruel.

Also, I realised that there was a link between the people staying and how much food would be bought. The strangers came with money that the mistress used to go to the market and exchange for food in the market.

I used to follow her there every morning when I was a kitten, but I soon found that not everyone liked cats, so I decided to stay at home and wait for her, instead.

I began not to like the place so much as more and more people began to come and stay. There was so many of them that they even slept in the back room where mistress prepared the food -and that had NEVER happened before!

To stay out of harm's way I began spending more and more of my time in the stable across the back of the yard with the sheep, goats and cattle. The masters cousin and uncle had just taken the sheep up into the hills as they do every Spring.

I was in the house late one evening -just waiting for an opportunity to retreat to the stable in a huff!- when someone -it was a man from some place in the North -wherever THAT is!- said; "This is strange -its light outside, yet there’s no moon tonight. Must be an omen of some kind. Should we get a Rabbi, do you think?"

"If he can fit in here," said a young man with a gruff voice. "Anyway, what would you do, hide beneath his beard?!" Everyone laughed, but I could tell they were all a bit nervous, which made me worried, too.

As the laughing died down, there was a thumping on the door.

"No! We cant fit anyone else in. -Can't they read the notice you put on the door?" said the mistress.

The master said; "Maybe not. Not all can read. I'll deal with it. Shouldn’t take me too long." I followed him to the door. -After all, I am a cat and it is in our nature to need to know what is happening. Besides, I like to greet and inspect our guests!

As he stood before the door I could see that he was working himself up to turn the latecomer away. As he opened the door the words seemed to die in his throat as we were met by a pitiful sight.

On the doorstep was a man who looked so tired that he lent on his staff, nearly ready to drop. He looked like a well-to-do craftsman, but he was covered with the dirt of many days travel.

But he was not really what caught our attention, for he was not alone. With him, a little way back in the road, was a young girl on a very, very tired donkey. As I looked at the woman I could see that she looked as worn out as the man and was very heavily in kitten.

"Please," the man sounded tired beyond endurance. "I know you are full, but my wife is pregnant and we have come from Nazareth for the Roman Census."

The master looked upset, for all his gruff ways he is a very kindly man.

"I'm sorry, but there really is no room at the inn. -Why not try Zac's place further down on the market street?"

"We did. He sent us to you."

The girl gave a little gasp. "Joseph. -Please. Just take me to the edge of town. I think I must be very near to my time. You’ll have to build me a little tent with your cloak at the side of the road."

"You will do no such thing!" Shouted the master. "I am sure we can find a corner or..." Suddenly he stopped. "What am I thinking of? We have as much room as you could want and more, besides! -Come with me!"

He went outside and if I hadn’t nimbly jumped to one side, he would have kicked me as he hurried round to the side gate which led to the yard.

He pointed to the stable; "When I first started the inn, that was it. Guests and us upstairs, animals downstairs. We built our new place six years ago."

"Its not too bad. -The upper floors are too dangerous for anyone but Cat, here- otherwise you could have gone upstairs and used that. But there’s plenty of room downstairs, so long as you don’t mind sharing with the animals. -Still, the lads collected the sheep a week or two back to take them up to the hills, so there’s more room than there would have been.

"Get your belongings sorted out and whilst you do that, I'll go and get the wife to bring you some blankets and some food. -I thought she was mad when she and some lad she’d hired to help her turned up with so much food from the market this morning. Told me she had a feeling that she should. Maybe she was right?"

The man and the woman looked at each other and a smile passed between them as if they were sharing some secret joke.

As he strode across the yard the master said; "Normally we can't see a thing at night when the moon isn't out, without a lantern, but there’s a big star or something up there, right above us. 

"I suppose King Herrod's wise men will be trying to work out what it means. -Much good it will do them. He's not a patch on his Father, the old king, that one!"

He left the couple in the stables and as he returned to the house I waited and watched the couple as they settled in.

There was something strange about the woman. -Strange but sort of beautiful. It was odd, but she was almost as beautiful as a cat.

Her husband and my mistress helped put her down on a bed of straw my master had hurriedly put together. He apologised for how rough it was, but she said it felt as if she was in a palace. She smiled at him and he went bright red, and coughed.

Not long after that, she gave birth. Now, I have seen my mistress drop a litter of human kittens –well, I say litter, but she only ever has one at a time!- and normally there is a lot of shouting and yelling, but the woman was very quiet and almost peaceful.

But when her kitten was born, he looked at me! I know he did. And he smiled at me. I stared at him and I felt all weak in my legs, like I had never felt before. But it was a good, warm feeling. Like when your mother cuddles you and kicks you all over. That kind of feeling.

They wrapped him up –I expect it was because all human children lose their fur, somehow- and laid him in a little box thing, called a manger. He seemed a lot more quiet than most human kittens, I thought.

All the while, through the night there was that funny bright light in the sky. It did not make much difference to me (I can get by in the day or night with my sharp eyes) but it upset and intrigued the humans.

The man sorted out the Roman Census for him and his wife. Though there was a bit of confusion as the child had been born here in Bethlehem and not where they came from. But that was sorted out.

Soon, everyone had gone back to their homes, everyone except our regular guests, a travelling salesman and our family in the stables. Master and mistress begged them to come in –their names were Joseph and Mary- but they said they were very comfortable where they were and did not wish to move again so soon!

Mistress was worried she would look like a bad landlady, but I told her it would be alright, as I would look after them and keep an eye on them. 

The lads with the sheep came down to see the baby, they even bought a lamb with them. They said it could not have lived outside, but it wasn’t that cold out there. I think the boy with them just wanted to introduce his favourite lamb to the special human kitten!

It was one of these occasions when I was watching over them that I saw three very important looking humans on camels. In case you have never seen a camel they are like horses, but not quite. They were dressed in fine robes and they gave presents to the baby, but the mother and the father seemed anxious.

Then, as quickly as they came, the family went away again. Some important person came looking for them, a messenger from the King, but my humans were only able to say they had gone to Egypt and had not said if they would be back...

***

I am an old cat now, my whiskers are drooping a bit, my fur is going grey, my bones ache sometimes and me and master do not do very much now, but sit by the fire and we both purr, but I still miss that woman and her human kitten, the one they called Jesus.

I wrote this story several years ago as a present for my nieces and nephews. I'm sharing it with you, for this Christmas.