IT is easy to get overwhelmed by the tide of consumerism washing through Christmas.

But families with children at primary schools in Colchester were treated to a reminder of the spirit of Christmas through their children’s nativity plays.

Schools across the country retold the story of Christmas (with their own particular twists) in their nativity plays.

There were sweet sheep, smiling stars, angelic angels and charming camels entertaining the crowds attending the plays.

All the youngsters undertook weeks of practise to learn their lines and make sure their songs were word perfect on the day.

And their efforts were not in vain.

There were capacity audiences across north Essex enjoying the children’s performances and there was not a dry eye in the house.

If Father Christmas was watching, he will have been delighted to see all those good boys and girls destined for presents on Christmas Day.