23 December 1997

Pip’s looking forward to the prospect of Christmas, and David seems as nervously excited! He and Ruth are grateful when Bert, because Freda’s lending Kathy a hand on Christmas morning, offers to do the milking – so they can enjoy Christmas with the children.
The Fayre’s doing well, lots of stalls and games, although no Santa – Jack’s preparing to stand in.
A distinctly broody Jennifer visits the bungalow and makes Ruth comment on her odd behaviour as she’s fawning over Josh, taking him off around the fayre while Ruth and Pip enjoy Nigel and Elizabeth’s Punch and Judy show.
Bert decides he can’t let the kiddies down and prepares to change into his Santa suit, elsewhere Jack is going through the same rite. Meanwhile, although Ruth’s explained that it’s only a stand-in because the real one is busy, Pip’s sure she’ll be meeting the real thing!
As in all the best farces, a bit of mistaken perceptions, as we prepare for the horror of two Santas. Bert returns saying he’d noticed someone had beaten him to it. It must have been Jack, but he’s returned, uncostumed, as well. George must have relented, but no, he’s playing his cornet in the silver band. As Santa starts ho-ho-ho-ing the village is left to wonder, who is that masked man?

Summarised by: Chris Harrison