I was six years old, in war torn London in 1943. My family took a train from Mile End, in the East end of London, to the underground station, where we spent days and nights underground while London was bombed. At Christmas, a tree was put up, and I won the fairy on top of the tree, for reciting 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse....' Like many others ' down the shelter', there was no money for presents. In fact, the fairy, and a doll given to me at the Salvation Army party held for 'Mile Enders', were the only presents I received as a child. Now, I knit a toy for a boy, and one for a girl, and put them in a knitted stocking, with other small gifts, to leave under the Christmas tree, at whichever store does that, so that a disadvantaged child gets a present. In many ways, it's a present for myself as well.