The Toy Show

As you know 

I live in Ireland 

We are a country who appreciates tradition

Especially around Christmas time

There is a long running chat show 

That is on every Friday night

Called The Late Late Show

It's really an institution in this country 

And every year 

Around the end of November 

The Late Late Show 

Transforms in to The Late Late Toy Show

Which is on tonight

I really cant explain The Toy Show and do it justice

It has to be seen to be believed

The whole studio is transformed in to a winter wonderland 

All the audience dress up

But the children are the star of the show

Some sing

Some dance 

Some try out the toys 

The opening number is always spectacular 

The host Ryan, sings and dances with the children 

And the standard of talent is enormous 

There are also celebrities 

Games 

And the audience always get loads of free toys and goodies 

I make a point of watching The Toy Show every year

Growing up it was the highlight of my life

I can remember watching it on the Friday night

And again on Sunday afternoon when it was repeated

I remember my father coming home from the pub 

Steaming drunk 

And watching the end of it with us

As I've grown up 

The Toy Show has remained an integral part of my Christmas

It's all about the children

And they really are the stars of the show

I can clearly remember two years ago

I was in treatment just before Christmas 

And The Toy Show was on one Friday night

I was pretty devastated that I had to be there for it

And I almost didn't get to see it 

As I was on bed rest

And had to ask for permission 

They let me 

You'd want to have a heart of stone to turn down that request 

So we all settled in the TV room

The ED girls with our large cups of tea

Curled up on the bucket seats 

With our legs folded under us 

And the other patients 

With their chocolate and biscuits

And electronic cigarettes 

When the ads came on

We all hauled to the smoking room next door for a cheeky smoke 

Even though we were in hospital

The atmosphere was jolly and merry 

I still think of those people 

And wonder how they are doing 

So 

Here I  am

In my pyjamas 

With a cup of tea in hand 

Waiting for the show to start

Yes I think it's happening

Christmas is most definitely here....