Calm before the storm… how to survive Christmas

Historically, I have been a bit of a stress head around Christmas, as are a lot of people, I suspect. Last year, we booked a cottage for my family, parents, sister and her family and it took away a lot of that stress. Being near a beach just filled with me with the calm I needed to survive the festive season. This year, we had no cottage booked but I still wanted to wake up on Christmas Day feeling like I was ready to tackle it so I decided to do something that would help everyone- I hopped in the van with Peppa and took myself off to Anglesey for two nights. Danny, Lucy and Charlotte were working anyway so they wouldn't miss me much. It was the best decision. Two days of beach combing in glorious sunshine was just what I needed. I returned on Christmas Eve and after a few hours of last minute preparation I put my feet up with the rest of the clan to watch ‘Elf’ followed by ‘Nativity’, rested and ready for Christmas Day.

The result of my gallivanting to Wales for two days? There was no storm after the calm. It was a little blowy as dinner was served but on the whole, cooking Christmas dinner for 7 was easy(ish) sailing. Kids helped, which makes a huge difference and mum and dad have learned to come into the house but not enter the kitchen until invited. There were no major spillages of wine although dad did nearly take a tumble getting from the table to the couch (thankfully he was saved by his two granddaughters before face-planting the floor). 

If every Christmas could be like this, I might actually kind of warm to it!