• Don't glve your children their big presents just before the family arrives. It's unrealistic to expect small children to share a brand new, longed-for toywith a horde of invaders.• Give the older children their presents while the babies are having

This is my mother’s excellent Christmas pudding that’s based upon the British royal family’s sumptuous recipe. Like all Christmas puddings, it’s best made a month or so before the big day, as the taste improves as it matures. Makes 2, each serving 8