At the Club with Henry, where we dine at 8o/c & then go, after a leisurely coffee & chartreuse to the Mercury for their Christmas Party on the stage. This morning I was inspecting Christmas arrangements & solving the inevitable problems connecting with feeding & feasting 680 men, & this afternoon we played tennis. A luminous & affectionate Ian came in & we had to have a few drinks & Christmas spirit at the Bar & he brought us down, it being very difficult not to dine with him. Now, as our wives are so prominent in our thoughts we have decided to write to them in the library of the club. We’ll discuss & laud you over dinner. There is a most exciting Parcel for me in the cupboard of our room & Henry will produce it in the morning. Also a parcel from uncle Parker ! Bless the man.
Col. 
our A.Q.M.G. telephoned his wife this morning. I considered the idea, but £3 is such a lot of money to be spell bound for 3 minutes ! Anyhow we’ll have opportunity to talk before very long. All here is laurel & little lights, the Messes & the dining Hall. The club is lightly decorated & dignified & Englishly unemotional over it. Elderly exiles reads the Times as on any evening.
I’ve been considering the problem of Coming Home. As I see it it is thus :- D1 + D2 + D3 ;- quietly at home, just Us. D4 – D7, Kettering. D8 – D12 London, D13 – D20 at Great Alne & out & about, D21 – D28 Mothers Anne & Rose at Great Alne. D29 – – – begin work. Any comments ?
Henry & I went to tea at a swagger place last night & had beer & an omelette & then to the Mercury to the last performance of Thunder Rock. All were so pleased to see us. In between all this I been very busy sorting out minor muddles. It’s nice here but the Desert has points in its favour.
Well, dearest, a Happy Christmas and soon may we meet. We’ll pledge you both this evening. Tomorrow is a busy day. Men’s dinner at 1o/c & then the Sgts. Mess & finally our dinner at 730 & a dance.
Next Christmas – – – – – !
