On the rock Christmas on the rock for us as we are still waiting for our daughter's passport. The office shuts at midday today and unlike in my old London days there will be no persuasive influences to go for a "quick pint" fortunately. Tonight we will take our daughter who has listened to Andrea Bocelli's Christmas album on repeat for a month to a Christingle Service, which continues what has become a Christmas Eve tradition for me and my festive-other-half.

Customary among ex-pats on the island is to head for Elbow Beach tomorrow late morning to sit on the sand and drink champagne and eat breakfast. The event is lauded by almost everyone we have ever spoken to, although the weather is not too clever at the moment but before you start glaring at me with your scarves wrapped around your necks, yes I accept it's still much warmer here than where (most) of you are.

We have been invited to friends on Christmas Day and return the compliment on Boxing Day, but not until I have sat (probably with a pack of Tums) to listen to our early kick-off at home to Swindon. I was both in that very wet away end at The County Ground and witness to Dean Kiely's horrendous mistake the last time we played them in the league and I am leaning towards Wyn Grant's choice of at least starting with Akpo, Burton, Wagstaff and McKenzie although I fancy Parky might consider a return for Shelvey.

Finally then I hope you and your families all have a wonderful Christmas break and that Santa finds his way to The Valley ok.  ¶ 08:36