Lizzie's LONG LIST

No one in her family realised just how much she did at Christmas-but things would be different this year

Lizzie lay under the duvet, unable to sleep, thoughts whizzing round her head.

Christmas wasn't far off and there was so much to do.

There were many items she needed to add to the supermarket shopping list for a start. Glacé cherries for the iced shortbread, and maraschino ones for their Christmas Eve cocktails. Trifle sponges – she mustn’t forget those – and sherry, of course.

In fact, their drinks cupboard was almost bare. She’d need to buy a variety of spirits, beers and wines, which reminded her to check they had spices for mulling. And some of the Irish cream liqueur that Colin’s mother liked.

‘Remind me to get a bottle of your mum’s liqueur,’ she said, giving his sleeping form a nudge. Colin grunted.

Lizzie’s mind raced on. They’d need hot chocolate powder and marshmallows for when next-door’s children called in to collect their presents from under the tree.

The tree! She must hunt for one soon or all the straight ones would have gone. She could probably get the holly wreath for the front door in the same place, and possibly an arrangement for Colin’s dad’s grave.

‘Do you want a wreath for the grave, Col, or something else?’ she asked.

‘Can we talk about this tomorrow?’ Colin mumbled into his pillow. ‘I have to get up for work in the morning.’

Lizzie scowled. Did he think she didn’t? Just because she was self-employed and worked from home, the entire family seemed to be under the impression she could drop everything should the need arise. Didn’t anyone understand she had clients and deadlines, too?

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