Andrew, who is a professional cook, assisted by Ken who has preserved his amateur status, start Christmas Day preparing a hardy brunch (by the time we all got up and sat down to eat) for all.

What could be better than sharing Christmas with a small child? Above: Jaishaun (three) enjoys a toy firetruck racing along its course.

At left (clockwise from the back) Katy, Sacha (who lives with Jenny and Tim), our friend Huong, Jenny, Jaishaun (Sacha's son), Kenneth and Zipper (Katy's Lab) open presents.