Last night was very beautiful, clear & bright and very still, with the moon half full, and a white frost. But this morning and came a thaw, after a very lovely red sunrise. At the 8 o’clock service there were a good many people, but how few we (the family) are now compared to former years.

At breakfast I could not help remarking that it did not feel like Christmas although we had exchanged presents as usual. Perhaps it was, as Dorothea said, that being so few made a difference. But perhaps it is that we are all a great deal older this year.

At 11 we had a wonderful service all sorts of curtailments & additions, but beautiful for all that. We sang the communion, and it was very impressive. For the first time were used some very lovely blue hangings behind the altar, given by the Smiths.

After service came in the post. Very small and only 2 sets of cards, & one present to D and me from cousin Maud. It is rather sad this year not having so many cards. We have not curtailed any presents or cards ourselves.

After lunch went for a walk. Mary & D turned back at Bradstone. R & I went round Toures Lane. At the top of Salerton Hill we met Robert Lovell in uniform. He has joined the Yeomanry. He looked very sheepish & self-conscious I had to stop & speak to him. It is satisfactory that one of our farmers sons should have gone. John Johns also tried to join but was refused medically.

At Evensong carols as usual, & so ends Christmas. Shall we still be at war next Christmas? To judge from what is going on now in France it almost looks as if we might be, but progress is so very slow.