Same Procedure as Every Year

Undeniably, there's a certain element of predictability associated with Christmas with the Folks. The fondue, the endless stream of biscuits made by people (including myself) who apologise every year that "this year, I really didn't bake much"...

The many presents by people who vow every year that this year, they didn't have time for buying/making presents and all this retail terror is getting worse anyway and we've got to do our part to stop it...

The Beast fiercely guarding the unwrapped presents afterwards...
Lots of baubles and ornaments to hide the fact that the Christmas tree (a gift, so don't look the gift-tree in its branches...) is somewhat anorexic in apprearance, needles-wise...
When Dad lit the sparklers we were all poised for the annual story of how Mum was trying to catch sparklers in an apron when she was little, but somehow Granny forgot to tell it.