There were glorious smells of all the mince pies baking, the rattle of wrapping paper being hurriedly but carefully drawn around those awkward shaped presents.

The sound of my family singing, whistling, the laughter - all mixed in with excited chatter.

Then…… a loud knock on the door, the doctor arrives and not long after an ambulance.

Gran was taken away.

By the time she reached the hospital, some 6 miles away, she had developed peritonitis.

My Mum went to see Gran every day………. I wasn't allowed on the ward because of my age, but was lifted so I could wave to her through the window.

One afternoon, they let me go to her bedside. At that moment, the band of the Salvation Army assembled outside the window. They struck up with Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Gran got better.

Every time I hear Hark the Herald Angels Sing I remember that was the song that made her better. And it was Xmas Day.

by Bob Baker from Lincoln