Christmas Home

I can't wait to hit the downhill run - can you? Next week the holidays start, there are only a couple more school and office days to do and the nice things like a family lunch, cocktails with my sister, carol services and lots of baking are all stacking up nicely.

I'll admit to feeling a little bit martyrish about the festivities today, but only for about five minutes. As a rule I avoid this sensation like the plague because I'm a firm believer in making the Christmas you'd like to have. No one (least of all the man in the house) makes me do anything but most years I have a little wobble during the build up when I feel I'm trying to single handedly deliver Christmas on a plate for everyone.

But actually no ones' asking me to. Only me. Stupid isn't it. Woody is under the cosh with work and really all I want is to share the wrapping and the fetching and carrying etc and get a bit of Christmas spirit going with him. But he's a bloke and most I know don't have a clue what I'm talking about. They'd be fine with Christmas dinner at the local curry house to be honest. Which all in all is how it should be isn't it - a celebration, not hassle. But I love to pull out all the stops (very simple stops) for the boys and therefore, I guess I'll have to pull them.

And when you think what many families have to deal with, grumbles about who's done all the wrapping etc get firmly put away. So they are. (Woody interviewed the amazing team here last week and we're hoping the publicity will help to raise lots more funds).

So I've taken a step back this afternoon just to enjoy how Chrsitmas has crept into the house. The dresser is pretty much groaning with decorations now and our lovely friends dropped around a beautiful gift for us on Sunday. Ginourmous bunches of holly, smothered in berries. Perfect

With the heating on full blast and a warm fire in the living room I've crowned just a couple of the pictures with sprigs because otherswise they'll be dry and dull by the big day, so instead I've filled jugs for the table and the mantlepiece instead. I think I prefer it.

Some very beautiful cards are going up too, most are treats to myself I've collected over the years which is quite embarrassing if anyone looks inside them but they're so lovely I couldn't resist!

(this one's genuine honest - a birthday card from me to Woody)

Time now to sort out party clothes for a day of fun at school tomorrow and find that wrapping paper I've stashed somewhere! Hope the festivities aren't too hectic with you. Xxx

P.S. Almost forgot - thanks for all your warm wishes on our good news. I've got a new job! From the New Year I'm moving to a different part of the NHS locally and doing a smiliar role (but much more straightforward) and thankfully with more hours and working with a lovely team. Keeping the wolf from the door has been really hard this year after my hours were reduced so the relief at home is absolutely huge! Happy Christmas!