24/12/2010

It's Christmas Eve, and at Bridge Farm the family are decorating the Christmas tree together. Helen and Tony still haven't made up their differences though and the atmosphere is strained. Helen asks Tom to take her home after they've shared the moment of putting the Christmas Tree lights on.

At Ambridge View , it's rather quiet, and there is some awkwardness in the conversation between Jennifer and Susan. It's with relief that they greet the arrival of Christopher and Alice. To Susan's surprise they announce that everyone is going to play party games. Soon the evening is going with a swing as Jennifer and Susan partner each other in charades.

Eventually, Susan has to bring out more food, and it seems as though the party isn't going to end.

At Lower Loxley Nigel and Elizabeth are wrapping up last minute Christmas presents. To Elizabeth's relief, Lily's mobile phone finally arrived that morning. Elizabeth and Nigel share a warm moment, contemplating how lovely it is to come down on Christmas morning to the sight of presents under the tree. With the room lights turned off, and in the light of the tree, they share a Christmas kiss.