THE VERDICT

‘THE KIDS CHOPPED, ROLLED AND BASTED’

After lunch, I resumed my position on the sofa, while Chris cleared up the table, loaded the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen. I did start to feel a bit guilty, but I didn’t want to spoil the experiment, so I let him get on with it.

By this part of the day, I am usually completely knackered, but this year, all this relaxation means I’m ready for a board game or two this evening.

When Chris finally sat down for a cheeky Quality Street and a glass of sherry, he was shattered. ‘Did you enjoy it?’ he asked me.

‘It was nice to relax,’ I replied, ‘but I have to admit I was a little bit bored…’

‘I actually enjoyed it,’ he said. ‘It was fun cooking with the kids, and I’m a bit fed up with putting batteries in toys every year…’

Having Christmas Day off is going to be fun but, to my surprise, I think I’ll miss some of my usual tasks. It did feel a bit lazy leaving everything to Chris.

Next year, we’ll be sharing the festive tasks, although he’s welcome to keep the wrapping!