Family Affairs and other matters

This morning I was beginning to think about canceling Christmas as no sign of Christmas bible (aka Delia Smith Christmas cook book) anywhere in house. Hadn’t realised my generation rely on it quite so heavily as had several friends offer to photocopy relevant pages and one was going to lend me whole book but my gorgeous youngest son came to the rescue as we were out panic buying very early and asked to borrow his pocket money for the next few months – NO DISCUSSION and then presented me with the NEW Delia Happy Christmas book. I love him. Phew.

I had started trying to remember the order of the day whilst in bed this morning and it was not looking good. Was feeling a little worse for wear anyway after another lovely local party last night with friends – my son obviously had a good night too as sent me a late text saying “I’m staubf at M’s” which I interpreted as “staying” but not good. Anyway, thoughts this morning on Christmas countdown went something like this:-

5.30am get up and put turkey in oven – is this really necessary when eating in evening?

6..00am Go back to bed

6.15am shout at children to go back to bed

? am What time does she say it’s acceptable to have your first drink?

? am How much time does she allow for arguments?

I am now calm. Am looking at new shiny book. Page 12 “Happiness is Getting a grip early – Make a plan”. Skip to page 16. Too late to make a plan. “Christmas lasts for 8 days be prepared”. Shit. Only prepared for tomorrow. Look at turkey recipe. Have forgotten bacon. Shit again.

Look at time plan. Nothing to worry about – not making own stuffing, bread sauce, parsnips, cranberry sauce or gravy. In fact not making anything except turkey and roast potatoes. Slight concern that advice is to have first drink at 1.30pm. Will have to ignore that.

Now got a mountain of presents to wrap and deliver.

Panic mounting again now.

Haven’t got elf suit to wear to carol singing at ex husband’s party so will go to see parents and brother and his wife instead. Much better. Thankfully they have arrived in London so we are some of the luckier ones who haven’t been thwarted by the weather, strikes and breakdowns around the country.

Have a great Christmas – may you get all the socks and pants that you have ever wanted.