It is not unusual for a writer to ask her character questions. So here is what Charlie said when I asked him about Christmas.

Charlie

1. What’s your favourite Christmas tradition?

You know for me, New Year was always better than Christmas. Instead of being stuck at home with the family with the only respite, a trip to church. At Hogmanay I got to escape with my mates. One New Year is imprinted on my brain, the year I met my darling India.

2. What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

My Dad once sent me a book voucher, I was horrified until I found a book about James Roberston. He was a cricketer with the same name as me. Mind you, India reads plenty of books and she is trying to convert me.

3. What’s your favourite Winter Olympics sport?

Skeleton Bob. I did a lot of sledging growing up. I like to think I would be good at it.

4. If you had to travel for the holidays, where would you want to go?

I’m going nowhere. I like Christmas at home in Hawick, but if I couldn’t be there, I would want to be somewhere else in Scotland.

5. What’s the perfect Christmas beverage?

Whiskey!

Come on Charlie, it’s your favourite beverage every day of the year.

Ey well why change something so good?