“Just five more sleeps until Christmas Eve, Mummy” Our tree is heavy with tinsel and baubles; we have some pretty coloured lights twinkling in the tree in the garden; the Christmas cake is made and even the weather has given us a snowy picture card scene.
So, why am I finding it hard to feel festive? Am I just getting old, acquiring a “bah humbug” attitude? I hope not. I like to think that I have a positive attitude, at least most of the time anyway.
But, like so many other working mums I talk to, I’m suffering from “pre-Christmas stress”, feeling the pressure of having so much still to do in so little time. Part of it is, I know, self-inflicted. It is not just about the practical side of organising the food, drink and presents. It goes much deeper. Christmas feels like a huge responsibility at times. I have loaded myself down with the responsibility of making sure my family has not just a good Christmas but a great Christmas. We all have special memories about Christmas past. So I want to do everything I can to make sure that everyone in the family really enjoys their Christmas experience.
And then with that knack that kids have, my son brings me to my senses. “I love Christmas” he says.
“All the presents?” I ask.
“No” he says to my surprise “I just really enjoy us all being together, sitting around, watching TV and playing games”.
Which just shows that children know more than we realise at times.
Merry Christmas!