CHRISTMAS MY WAY

When I was a kid Christmas was a big deal. Mum used to shop and cook for weeks in advance and we'd try desperately to work out our presents around the tree, when she wasn't looking.  I remember one Christmas getting the Grease album and feeling so happy. God life was simple before iPads , iPods and I want everything hit us!

As the kids have grown I have tried to recreate the Christmas feeling I grew up with. They had beautiful Christmas stockings I made for them, I cooked loads of goodies, we set up a crib and played  Christmas carols, usually by Michael Buble if I got my way. The husband put together bikes and trampolines while I filled Santa stockings. One year even Harry the dog got a stocking.

But this year something feels wrong. The TV news tells me that shops are having a boom Christmas but trust me it's not due to my efforts. I haven't bought a present. I haven't cooked anything and I doubt it's going to change. I simply can not be bothered.

Maybe it has something to do with the six operations the F.E.D has had this year. Maybe it's because daughter number 2 is overseas. Maybe it's because I'm not at work listening to kids babble on about Christmas. Maybe it's because my assistant at work isn't around spreading her usual Christmas cheer.
Or maybe it's just none of the above and just simply cos I can't be bothered. It's too hard. I am done with this year.

This year I'm advocating the KISS CHRISTMAS or the Keep It Simple Stupid Christmas. Here are my suggestions:

• Ignore any birthdays in December. People born in December are a pain in the butt.
• Go to Christmas mass. It's a birthday celebration after all. Go say happy birthday you rude sod.
• Buy cake ,biscuits and mince pies instead of cooking. Buy double actually and hide one lot from husband. Take food out of packet and pretend you cooked it yourself.
• Bat eyelids at anyone who wants to make me food - Christmas or otherwise. 
• Buy vouchers for anyone you need to buy a present for. Saves thinking. If they don't appreciate it, cut them off list for next year.
• Keep away from shops as much as possible and that includes internet shopping. Of course this is null and void if shopping for self.
• Buy wine in bulk and tell everyone it's for gifts. Enjoy...if you know what I mean.
• Breathe, smile and laugh lots especially when no one around. If you do it when others are around, you risk New Year in the loony bin.

Merry Christmas folks from Suzi T