the Don’t small sweat stuff...

My kids are unlikely to remember that I matched al l the wrapping paper to the decor

I’ve been reminiscing about some of my more memorable Christmas moments, and it’s funny the ones that stick out for me. There was the year my younger brother a nd I were given hamsters as a surprise, only my brother’s bit him the moment he put his hand into the cage, causing a major meltdown on my brother’s part. Another year we were having drinks with some friends, I popped home to get something and ended up locking the keys in the house, so my dad had to break in with a crowbar. Or there was the time we had a BBQ planned (as a family we usually did food on Christmas Day a little differently, as we always had the traditional turkey with all the trimmings at my grandparents’ on Boxing Day. Our alternative Christmas dinners have also included fondue and Japanese teppanyaki), and it rained so hard the neighbours took pity on us and invited us in for lunch. One year we were wiped out with flu and the whole festive period was a total non-event, so we had a second Christmas (with the same neighbours!) in February, complete with tree, turkey and presents. While these Christmas disaster stories may sound like the stuff of nightmares, I actually remember them with great fondness (my parents would probably beg to differ). I guess what I take away from them is that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. My kids are unlikely to remember that I matched all the wrapping paper to the room décor (although I will still do this because it brings me joy!), but what’s really important is that we’re together. So this year I’m going to try not to sweat the small stuff, and just enjoy the ride. Happy Christmas!