29th December

Dearest Edward – The postman has just delivered five most beautiful gold rings, one for each finger, and all fitting perfectly. A really lovely present – lovelier in a way than birds, which do take rather a lot of looking after. The four that arrived yesterday are still making a terrible row and I’m afraid none of us got much sleep last night. Mummy says she wants to use the rings to ‘wring’ their necks – she’s only joking, I think; though I know what she means. But I love the rings. Bless you.

Love from Emily

28th December

Dearest Edward – What a surprise – four calling birds arrived this morning. They are very sweet, even if they do call rather loudly – they make telephoning impossible but I expect they’ll calm down when they get used to their new home. Anyway, I’m very grateful – of course I am.

Love from Emily

27th December

My darling Edward – You do think of the most original presents; whoever thought of sending anybody three French hens? Do they really come all the way from France? It’s a pity that we have no chicken coops, but I expect we will find some.
Thank you, anyway, they’re heaven.

Your loving Emily

26th December

My dearest darling Edward – The two turtle doves arrived this morning and are cooing away in the pear tree as I write. I am so touched and grateful.

With undying love, as always, Emily

A few years ago I sent this lovely 12 Days of Christmas Correspondence to family and friends in an e-mail each day.
I thought it might be nice on my blog this year

25 December

My dearest darling – That partridge, in that lovely little pear tree! What an enchanting, romantic, poetic present! Bless you and thank you.

Your deeply loving Emily