More like boxes of pens, heard there were a thousand working on them earlier this year.

I think some do, but perhaps in lesser numbers to years ago, possibly a combination of higher prices, more alternatives, people drinking less frequently etc.

I was never into the drink as much as you can mindset: I'd rather have a couple of drinks in a civilised manner.

You must have bars.

Believe it or not, I've never been a frequent pub visitor - perhaps because I've never lived near a nice friendly pub ... not into gaming machines, loud music etc.

Definitely, sip away and enjoy. 🍷 I'm planning a mug or two of gluhwein later,it's be rude not to! 😁

Yes, they'll have had notice since at least September and probably had reminders too.

I knew you did. 😆

Time to get into the Christmas spirit, open a bottle and put your feet up - once you get back from the pub! 🤣

I just can't help myself, it's that suppressed joie de vivre surfacing in time for the festivities! 🤣

I can't remember what I did at primary but I'm sure that it didn't happen at secondary - also in the UK.

I remember that at secondary we often started a new term a little later.

Yes, I can see why that might apply to primary schools and be a nice way to sign off for the term - allowing the teachers and support staff to head off to the pub for a blow out - but it's not great for working parents.

No sense for secondaries.

I thought it was only yesterday for you. 😂

No worries.

No-one I've read or heard believes that the files will be released in any meaningful way. That's a pretty depressing state of affairs, but not a surprise.

Why - how - do they get away with law breaking without any comeback at all. Ominous signal of future intent.

That might apply in the US, but not in the UK.

Do you think that they will release the Epstein files in any meaningful way without substantial redaction - if they actually release them at all by the deadline ... given their history of ignoring the law?

It's a kick in the teeth for anyone without subscription TV too.

He may not have known until late on, and/or may not have felt that he was able to intercede.

We'll probably never know.

Runner up to Rory McIlroy for #SPOTY.

Well they've got that one spectacularly wrong imo.

The latter is definitely true, indisputable ... I've suffered quite a few times! 🤣

It was always cracked up to be by the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches amongst others.

I'm agnostic: I don't care, none of it is particularly credible to me. As Alan said earlier, Christianity hijacked existing pagan and Roman festivals etc.

"If" is the big word here.

Some journalists have form in seeking clicks by publishing gossip, rumour, half truths, hearsay/lies.

Yes, why not ... almost like celebrating a day before his birth. 😂

It's not so good if you have to disrupt plans to attend, particularly as you're likely to be suffering from the previous day's excesses - I speak from experience!