This year, my little family will be having a 3 day Christmas. Gone are those leisurely two weeks off, where the New Year finds you nicely Gin baked, with chocolate round your face. I have 3 days people! Fun starts on Christmas Eve and not a moment sooner!
For me, Christmas is about the simple things. Good food, good company and a chance to relax. Maybe get a lovely gift or two but at the very least, sit down and watch, the classic Christmas Movies.
By classic, I mean, Home Alone, Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. This year, I also want to watch, It’s a Wonderful Life. I have never seen it and for some reason, I really feel I should.
December also marks the occasion, when my car is filled, with the vocal caress of Michael Buble. His Christmas CD is dusted off and enjoyed on every errand. I am not an overly festive person, so this keeps my mood, nice and chipper.
Anyone who has worked in retail over the Christmas period, feels very differently, about Christmas music. Stores start playing that crap at the end of November, all the way through until Christmas Eve. Years ago, staff would be forced to listen to one CD on repeat every shitting day. In some shops, they would play all the old favourites, however they would not be sung by the original artist. Either way, it was death by Slade. Years have passed since I manned a til but that song brings it all back. Each delightful customer-is-always-right second of it
Several Christmas songs take me back to the shop floor:
- Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin Stevens
- I wish it could be Christmas everyday – Wizzard
- Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
- Happy Xmas (War is over) – John Lennon
Back to my festive 3 days. Here it is:
Christmas Eve will be hosted by my Sister in Law. My husband and his South African family celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Starting with a Church Service in the morning. Family lunch followed by presents, games and activities all afternoon. 8 adults, 3 kids, one dog. An evening choir service, rounds up the day, supper and drinks to finish.
Christmas Day will be me at the helm. Cooking a traditional roast dinner, with all the trimmings, for my little family of three. Watching our gorgeous daughter open her treats in the morning. Hopefully relaxing in the afternoon.
Boxing Day I am in charge again. This time, hosting my entire family, buffet style. 7 adults, 3 kids and a butt load of awkward. The adults comprise of my brother and his ex, playing happy families, for the benefit of my rather cantankerous Grandad. My Mum and Dad – how they behave, will depend on which one drinks. My husband and I make up the remainder of the adult team…what could possibly go wrong??