Where else would an Essex girl go Christmas shopping but Lakeside?

Of course, to be able to power shop, first you have to learn all about money.

It's party season and lots of Lily's friends have birthdays. Here she is at a party on Friday night...

...and another on Saturday afternoon.

Time for that letter to you-know-who.

Apparently, he's going to need a lot of pink things to put down our chimney.

Speaking of which, Lily has her very own mini Christmas tree this year.

Not to mention the lead role in her school's Nativity.

Here's a sneak preview of the costume. Expect more in the next update...

And Santa paid an early visit to Lily's class.

He brought her a lovely Christmas colouring set.

And seven foot uncle Jonathan and family came to visit. Even though it was pretty chilly, we couldn't resist going down to the beach.