Carols on Christmas Eve

Woke early and went to the pool only to find it closed and no notice up! Sang carols at Lakeside home which was appreciated. Very hot in there especially as I had my Christmas jumper on! To Glyn Close to borrow Ann Marie's car which has a nifty camera for reversing! King's carols excellent. Played for crib service and 50 adults there and 40 kids charging round the church. One shepherd has lost his head! It was much shorter than last year and went well. I got train at Kent House and was at the cathedral in good time for 6 p.m. Mass. Lucky to get a seat. Liz was thurifer. Saw Peter Tyler who is going to Bangalore in January and Catherine, also Fr Michael and Fr John. Liz got home just before me. The pictures are up in our bedroom and the New Zealand photo has been retired for a while! I watched Gareth Malone's triumph at the Proms and then went for a rest which was disturbed by a delivery! Midnight Mass went well and we managed Mary's song at communion and the 6 carols. I played Noel suisse at the end. Near disaster as car key had fallen through hole in trouser pocket on the stairs but relieved to find it having looked under the pedal board! Heard the end of Westminster on radio 4 as I was driving back and watched the start of Arundel - why Hail Marys at the crib? It seemed to be an attempt to be as Catholic as possible! The focus should be on Jesus not on Mary!