As I mentioned to jc2004 below I'm rapidly re-arranging my travel plans to be there the evenings of the 22nd and 23rd, and going back on the 24th to visit a friend who'd otherwise be alone on Christmas :/

Are those dates okay with you guys?

I should warn you that if I'm coming before, I'll have to spend most of my days Christmas shopping. I haven't really had a chance to do anything, and 'tis truly down to the wire now :/

*sorely tempted by Christmas cookies, but must decline offer of wine as it can trigger a seizure in epileptics*