I've been trying to remember what I was told! My parents are fairly pragmatic types, and I don't think that there was a huge pretence, but I do remember that Father Christmas figured early on. It was complicated by the fact that there were always at least three separate present-opening sessions, where the presents at relatives' houses were more clearly flagged as being from them.

We didn't have stockings! But there was usually a present left by my bed for the early morning - presumably an attempt by my parents to get a few more minutes' sleep...

I'm glad that you had a good time. Boo about being ill, though - I hope you're feeling better soon.

What sort of hat did you get? Now you can be seen in the street without it!