Would she come?

When I was little my auntie and uncle would take me to Harry Ramsden's Fish and Chip Restaurant (the original one at Guiseley before it got all commercial and lost its appeal). They would have a huge and sparkly tree with loads of presents underneath.

We would queue and be shown to our table. We would order and eat but all the time I was watching the tree and I was watching the supervisor. She would come up to tables that had children and invite them to come to the tree to chose a present. It was so exciting. I can feel the anticipation even now. I would spend the whole meal wondering when she would come to our table. I couldn't go to the loo - she may have come while I was there. Would she remember me?

"When is she coming?" "Has she forgotten me?" "Will there be any presents left?" - all questions addressed to my auntie.

Of course she would always invite me to the tree. It was fab. Fish n chips and mushy peas and a pressie.