24th December 1936

On Christmas Eve Marion dressed up in the pink silk dress with white hide frills which I made her. She loves putting on long frocks. A little bell tinkled, and the folding doors were thrown wide open to reveal the large lighted tree, glistening with silver and gaily coloured balls, with the toys spread out beneath. A Hansel and Gretel house made of cake and a Punch and Judy show, a stamp album and a boy doll were the chief attraction. Marion looked a picture kneeling beside the tree and singing a Xmas carol, also the "Grisly Bear". Our visitors remarked how musical she was. She has been busy for weeks making Mummy a fancy work mat and her grandma a serviette bag she designed herself. I dressed up in red slippers, a red dressing gown and a mask to play Santa Caus. At first she said she was frightened and wanted to get under her chair, thinking it might be a real Father christmas, then she caught sight of a bit of my soft, white chin and pulled off the mask. Marion gave us a Punch and Judy show about the 'abdication of the King"! She was allowed to stay up till 9.30. Grandma and Auntie Toto were at the party too.

Marion can play a Xmas carol with one hand and all five fingers, her latest craze is playing patience, she is awfully keen on it. Aunt Toto showed it to her once and grasped it and showed it to me next day.