86 St. Ives Rd,
Rusholme,
Manchester,
Dec. 26., '17.

My dear Lulu,

This is the day after Christmas Day & I have been trying to find a corner where I could write a short note - with very small success. At present I am ensconced in a chair in the corner of a room. I have been stopped once by little Bessie & I dont know how much longer I can keep the enemy at bay.

By the address you will see that I am at my Father's once again. I got a ten days leave for Xmas & cannot tell you how surprised & delighted I was. It came due to the influence of my doctor for whom I have been doing some writing.

Now Dorothy, Eric & Bessie have surrounded me, so I have to stop again.

I will try again. It appears that no boat will go for some time so I thought it safe to come away, leaving Capt. Melvin the usual instructions if anything unexpected should turn up.

Yesterday I had a very happy time indeed & enjoyed myself immensely. All my sisters, my brother & my father with all the children came together. A regular family gathering! It seemed fine, we had the regulation Xmas tree & I was "Father Xmas". Of course I displayed all my foolishness, & the children must have thought their Canadian uncle was a crazy man. It is very delightful indeed.

But all the time I am wondering how you are. I have had no mail for over a week now & I cannot help but wonder whether some went up in the explosion at Halifax. I cannot think that you or any of yours were in the ill-fated city at that time. But maybe I can get a letter & so find out.

The weather will be near its worst in Canada now I suppose. I hear that out west the bitterest cold is the six weeks beginning just between Xmas & New Year. I hope you are keeping well and not working too hard with your innumerable pupils. Curious that you should be surrounded with children in Canada, & I in England am in the same predicament.

What a dreadful letter I am writing! You must excuse this scribble & crushed paper, & blame me for being "home" - my "English" home - on Christmas day.

I am sending my best love & hope that I shall not be kept away from you much longer.

From Tom - with kindest greetings & great hopes.
Yours as ever
Tom.