Both Santa Claus and Father Christmas derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, whose day was celebrated yesterday in the Netherlands. Children there put out a clog filled with hay and a carrot for his horse the night before, an idea that appeals to me, maybe we should do this for the reindeer …
THE GENTLEMAN IN RED
we’ve seen prints
in wet earth where deer
run in pairs at night
and found a length of harness 
caught in a cedar tree
high among ribbons of frost
last night an empty stocking
hung from a branch of the pear tree
beside the driveway
and I found a mandarin orange
under a rhubarb leaf
a friend hinted at presents
wrapped with tucked bows
lying on her doorstep
but I didn’t belief her
until I saw a strand of white hair
wrapped around the door knob
Frame and The McGuire – ‘… a gentle yet striking novel about the way our perception influences our judgement of others.’ Amy Mathers. For ages 8-13 … published by Tradewind Books available on Amazon or your local bookstore.
1960willowtree 
Another great poem, Joanna..
Did I tell you my book was out?! Haven’t actually got the print copies in my hand but they can be ordered along with ebook version from friesenpress.com /bookstore and the usual suspects i.e. Amazon iTunes etc
I will be having a launch in Mill Bay at a friend’s house either the 15th or 29 th January and would absolutely love you to be there. BTW do you know when The Focus magazine comes out? I hope you can get your hands on a copy so you can revel in your review!
I hope you have a peaceful, healthy and happy time over the Christmas season. My best Diana >
Hi Diana. If your launch is in the afternoon I won’t be able to make it, but I’ve made a note. So pleased that your book is out. Yes, your review of ‘A Bedroom of Searchlights’ is out, in today’s issue of The Focus! So SO pleased to see it, and I am indeed reveling. And all the best to you for Christmas and the New Year! Have fun! Joanna