I love December! I have put up my Christmas tree and lights, in fact I was very early this year, due to other commitments and pressures, I put the tree up on the 27th November. I was a bit embarrassed, but knew that if I didn’t do it then it would be mid December before I could do it. I couldn’t possibly wait.

The children loved helping me this year and we had a lovely time sorting out all the baubles and stars. Charlotte loved the stars, and at one point I thought she would never leave them on the tree.

The other side of Christmas, the cards, the wrapping, the buying of presents is has not been as much fun. I am starting to feel the stress levels rise, and to prove that I am completely normal and the same as you, I will share a rather embarrassing story with you.

Last week was particularly busy. I had collected the children from school and planned to get fuel, a car wash and to visit a couple of shops for some presents that I could not delay in getting. Already tired, and a bit grumpy, me that is, I left the school and ‘THEY ‘started. What is it about the car that encourages your children to fight? By the time I got to the petrol pump I had really had enough, and you can guess what I did, yes, I filled my diesel car with petrol! I did not know until I had driven off up the road, not far thankfully, to the shops. When I returned from a very stressful time in the shops the car did not start! I called my husband, then my Assistance. Even with two children they were 50 minutes. I took the children to get some food, at least it was warm and they could do some colouring and have tea. When the Assistance turned up he asked me what I had done and as I repeated my actions the look from him said it all. I was so upset and began to cry. At this exact time my husband arrived, having left work to help me. I thought he would kill me, as it was completely my fault. Instead, he was great, took the kids and left me feeling very cross with myself to be towed to the garage.

Well, nearly £200 later, just what I needed before Christmas I got my car back the next morning, and I must say the guys that served me were very nice and understanding and no-one laughed at me (well, not to my face anyway).

I hope that sharing my story has made you laugh, as I am starting to see the funny side myself now. See what stress can do!

I hope you have a fabulous Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Very best wishes,