As a military history enthusiast it is your duty to spread your love of uniforms, campaigns and hardware as far as you can. Your grown-up non-warfare obsessed friends are probably far too used to you now. When you start talking about the importance of Basil Liddell Hart to German tank strategy and tactics they probably roll their eyes and head for the bar. But you can still reach them, as the festive season approaches. Now is your chance to influence the future interests of their offspring. Why not buy your nephews, nieces or friend's children those fantastic toys that stimulated your interest in all things military? Or at least some modern equivalents.
OK, so in the UK Action Man is not what he once was, but in the US GI Joe still bears some resemblance to a military figure. And if you look further there is plenty of choice.
Interested in Ancient Rome? Have a nephew you reckon might want to know the difference between a pilum and a gladius? Playmobil seems a great starting point.
Or Medieval knights are your thing. Look no further than Schleich figures. I saw a great game at Historicon played with these. Cost the guy who ran it a fortune but it was worth it.
Into reading? There is really only one choice - Osprey Graphic History of course. Sorry, can't resist it!
Anyway there must be much more out there, both sides of the pond so please share your top tips.
So when you are sitting around the Christmas tree in a few weeks time you can bask in a sense of satisfaction as you start the kids on a truly satisfying hobby. As their parents look at you with murder in their eyes...