‘Christmas is for giving, but it’s also a time to really open our eyes and see what we can do to help our friends and neighbours. Here at Bluebell Park and at the school you can pick up a form and nominate yourself or a friend to receive a gift this Christmas. There’s space to write down something specific or you can keep it a bit more general. Please take one and then hand the forms in to me here, or at the school. I’ll be coordinating everything, and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Once I receive a form, I’ll make a numbered tag and hang it on the tree – there won’t be any names on them. All you have to do, is pick a tag and buy that present. When you wrap it and return it, make sure it has the tag on it, so I know who it’s for, and I’ll give everything out the Saturday before Christmas.’

‘So we don’t know who we’re buying for?’ asked one woman.

This time, Bella didn’t bother with the loudspeaker feeling a bit silly. ‘No. That’s the beauty of it. It’s just about doing something nice for someone else and helping a neighbour out.’

‘But what if I end up buying a present for someone I don’t like?’

Bella hadn’t anticipated questions being shouted at her during her announcement and stuttered for a response. She’d thought if someone had a question or comment like that, they’d have asked her privately. Then Nick Cowley, of all people, saved her.

‘How can there be anyone you don’t like, Maggie? You’re friends with everyone.’

The woman blushed at the compliment and Bella took the chance to forge ahead. ‘If anyone has any questions, do come and find me but I know we’ve got a very special guest here waiting to press the magic button and light up his new grotto. And he’s got to get back to the North Pole, so we better get on with it. Kids, are you ready?’

All the children cheered and bounced on their toes.

‘And all the grown-ups, are you ready?’

Some of the grown-ups cheered or clapped. Mr and Mrs Cole seemed as bored as if they were waiting for a bus, but Bella let her eyes wander to Nick’s. Feeling heat rush up her neck, she said, ‘Without further ado, Santa, are you ready to cut the ribbon?’