I have always loved Christmas and this year, being the first with a baby in the house, I am even more excited. However, as the festive season approaches, I find myself getting slightly anxious about the expectations to join in with the frolics.
This is actually a year-round problem and the multitude of articles insisting on 'mammy me time' and 'date night' don't help the situation. While they are great ideas, in theory, they are not necessarily so simple to put into practice. They give the impression that this is what all parents can and should be doing. Just because it's written down as 'Terrific Tina's Top Ten Tips' doesn't mean it's possible for everyone to do. There is a multitude of reasons parents can't or won't call in the babysitters.
It's just this specific time of year happens to compound the problem. Everyone is in the celebratory mood, parties are being organised left right and centre, people want to catch up, and the expectation is you should make the extra effort because it's Christmas. And I will be making the extra effort... to make my son's first Christmas absolutely magical and to start some new festive traditions that will last a lifetime.
So while we will no doubt join in with some of the festivities, what is important, for us, is to celebrate as a family and enjoy the time together. Before we know it, holidays and maternity leave will be over and we will be living for the days of uninterrupted time to spend together again.
Happy Christmas to you all!
