Survived another Christmas!

Hey readers

Hope you are all doing well. As the title of this entry shows, I have survived another Christmas - almost all the children in my extended family had the flu and so I was really tempted to avoid them all. But that was a hard decision to make - my kids would have enjoyed the festivities a lot less if they hadn't been allowed to see their cousins. SO I did the brave thing and let them all run around together - and touch wood, so far we are ok.

The kids were really good about not having anything really special for Christmas. Usually I push the boat out, but this year it hasn't been possible, and I was dreading their disappointment. But they have enjoyed themselves and not complained at all - result! They are still priveleged compared to so many, and it is nice to feel that they appreciate that fact.

I am disappointed with myself for not playing with them more - one thing that I had resolved to do during these holidays. I actually did, for a day or two. But then life took over - I had a cold, then Hubby had a cold, both of us were washed out after. Now things have deteriorated to the point where Toddler is watching hours of Shaun the Sheep every single day. SO I told the kids at dinner tonight that tomorrow the TV is going to be 'broken' and we are going to spend some proper time together. Let's see how long I last!

We have visitors tomorrow, I am doing a buffet lunch for an extra three adults and one child, so that should be a distraction. Then on New Years Day, the family will be coming over - anywhere between ten and fifteen of them. I am only doing tea and mince pies, but it will still be a houseful.

Sometimes I think it is amazing how far I have come, sometimes I give myself a hard time for not achieving more. Like part of me wants to get a qualification so I could become a teacher or a counsellor (I already have a first degree) but part of me kind of knows, or has convinced herself, that I couldn't hold down a job. Because unfortunately I am still racked by nerves at times - particularly social occasions, when I would really like to be more relaxed. But hey, that is improving too, slowly! Onwards and upwards!

Happy New Year, one and all. May you all demolish your demons and achieve your dreams!

More in 2011... x x