The Christmas Day Juggling Act

I hate to admit it, but a part of me really dreads Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I love all of the Christmas 'hoo ha', decorations going up, buying gifts, carols in the supermarket and all the rest. I have been known to start playing carols in the car in October. It was the kids' suggestion, promise.

What I don't look forward to is the need to be in five different places in one day, whilst keeping the peace when a certain uncle is inappropriate or one of the kids is about to attack the Christmas Tree with his new light saber.

Take last year for example. 

Up at dawn's crack for the obligatory presents around the tree with the kids. I do love it, but I love a sleep in more. Thank goodness for croissants and champagne.  We then have a little bit of time - say seven minutes and 36 seconds, not long given set up time for their new gadgets - for the kids to enjoy their new gfts before it is time to head off and see the first set of grandparents to repeat the present routine.

How many times do I need to act surprised when I receive a new soap and flannel set? I know it is the thought that counts, but really, I think 16 is probably enough for me. And should I not react with the right amount of excitement for the said flannel, I know I will be in the bad books for the day, if not the year.

Next is lunch.  We have all slaved away to produce suitably dramatic and awe-inspiring dishes for lunch, which is something I do love, although for some reason I feel a lot more pressure at Christmas.  Does Santa judge me by my platter? There is definately an under current of competition when the dishes are laid out on the table, and God help you if you don't try some of Aunty Rosemary's roast beef, regardless of the fact that it is 37 degrees and you have already had ham, turkey and roast potatoes.

With lunch over by about 4pm, it is then time to get see the other grandparents. Present routine AGAIN. Dinner, pretty much a replica of lunch. Which we really need after finishing lunch two hours ago. At least the champagne is still flowing.

Finally, with everyone involved incredibly strung out, we can spend 45 minutes in the car before we get home to a house which looks like a bomb has gone off in it. Between the high pressure food preparation, and the time critical present opening and exploring, it seems there wasn't any time for tidying up, so why not do it at 11pm on Christmas night. Good plan?

Call me a cynic (or a scrooge for that matter), but why can't we go away for Christmas and have the extended family catch ups another day? Why can't we go out for Christmas lunch? No cooking, cleaning or competition. Why can't we make donations to a charity instead of buying a gift for someone which they probably don't want anyway?

I love Christmas time, but it seems that what the day has become about obligation. I want to spend time with my family and loved ones, but let's all take a few deep breaths and spread out the celebrations a little. Let's enjoy this Christmas without the stress!