Home (baking) for Christmas #festivebaking

I turned off the radiator, unplugged the computers and locked up the office. I decided to walk all the way to the tram terminus rather than fight with the crowds at St Peter's Square, to ensure I could get a seat. I needed one, laden as I was with jute bags full of Christmas cheer. Eventually a southbound tram arrived, tooting from the tunnel. It rattled and rolled through darkened streets, with ever more commuters and shoppers squeezing on board.

I trudged through the side streets, bathed in the suburban glow of festive lights and trees in many a window. Eventually I turned a corner to see our own house, lit up with pink lights on a tree outside and the white light of a Christmas candelabra on the window sill.

Slipping through the back door, the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and gingerbread wafted across the kitchen to greet me. The family had been baking mincemeat crumblies, icing the Christmas cake and making gingerbread stars to give as presents and to hang on the tree. I was home for Christmas...