Dairies are very popular at this time of year and some even go on to become famous books such as Adrian Mole and more recently, Bridget Jones, which is about a hapless single woman's haphazard pursuit of happiness. To prove that I am highly organised and a most efficient person, here is an extract of my diary which I have been keeping during this most busy Eid week...

Saturday, Jan 24. New clothes are a must for Eid so go shopping for Toddler's outfit. Must be very trendy as Toddler is fashion-conscious even at this tender age. Loves to pose. Have to drag him away from large mirrors in department stores where he will preen himself and kiss reflection while purring: "Pretty baby".

Sunday, Jan 25. Must buy own clothes for Eid. Didn't want to fork out more than £20 for new outfit but realised that most cheapo Asian outfits are made of horrid green shiny material with bells and tinsel on them and this would cause confusion as have always maintained that we don't have a Christmas tree on Eid.

In the end hubby bought me a far too expensive but utterly delish suit from snooty boutique frequented by alarmingly glamorous tall Asian ladeez. Felt that I stuck out like a sore thumb. Unfortunately more than a thumb stuck out when I was in the fitting room and Toddler pulled upon the curtain at a most inopportune moment. Nearly died of shame but Toddler thought it highly amusing and went to snog his reflection. Decided never to talk to him again, but gave him a hug two seconds later for being so cute.

Monday, Jan 26. Still feeling guilty for not talking to T for two seconds yesterday and Mother's Pride swelled after seeing his picture in T&A today. Decided to buy him a present as he is too young to appreciate value of cold card cash which is usually given to children on Eid.

Went to town and ordered very expensive, battery-driven motorbike from catalogue shop where I expected to be informed of delivery charges. Instead obscenely huge box arrived at collection point and we had to lug it five miles to the car.

Arrived home in fit of excitement though, unable to hide gift till Eid. Covered box with sheet and left it in living room for T to discover. Toddler largely unimpressed thinking we had bought another coffee table.

In the end I pulled off sheet. "Look, motorbike!" I shrieked and suddenly his eyes lit up, he chortled with glee and was happy playing for hours and hours with an empty box.

Tuesday, Jan 27. Battery recharged, motorbike most useful for sitting on when too tired to look for stray items in living room such as remote control, newspaper, cups of tea etc.

Wednesday, Jan 28. Day before Eid. Woke up in a panic as there is too much to do. Must clean house, make lots of food, have hair cut and lose five pounds off my stomach before the Big Day. Aargh, no time to lose though.

Ritual of samosa-making is very laborious and makes me feel as if I am being punished for something I did in a previous life. On other hand, eating them more than makes up for anguish incurred during their production.

Thursday, Jan 29. Woke up in a glorious mood. Today's the day we eat, drink and be merry. Hurrah!

Friday, Jan 30. Go on diet for next Eid.

*Eid Mubarak and especially a big thank you to every one who has been kind enough to write to me with their encouraging comments about this column. Your kindness has been much appreciated. Thank you.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.