MAKING THE CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS
All the many ingredients laid out in a row,
Indeed they make quite an impressive show,
Currants, raisins, sultanas, candid peel, molasses,
Cherries in sweet liquid, brown sugar, I must confess
That when I get this far there are things I forgot,
For there is beef suet, flour, breadcrumbs, is that the lot?
No, eggs and milk are still missing in this delightful bouquet,
Did I mention five large apples and two carrots go into the fray?

Now all is ready for the work, mixing together for a day or two,
Stir and mix, then let it stand, all have a mix and stir as through
The door they come and one wish they can always make,
A great wish for every mix and stir unless nibbles they take,
Then the wishes are evoked and they will not come true,
It’s the only way to stop the mousing* all the mixing through.
Last year so much was moused that I had to make another lot,
So if I find even one person in the act, they will be shot!

*Mousing - family term to try the raw mixture
(Millicent) Ann Margetson November 8, 2003