All I want for Christmas is...

All I want for Christmas is for us all to have the most amazing time, together as a family. To catch up with friends old and new and family members that we don't see often enough.  To enjoy some quiet, quality time without the distractions and disruptions of normal daily life.

I want my children to have some of the things that they have written on their very long Christmas lists, but not too many so that they are overwhelmed and spoilt. I want them to enjoy their presents and for us to sit down and take the time to enjoy them with them, instead of encouraging them to play while we catch up with whatever job needs doing.  I want them to have bikes and toys that will encourage their imaginations and get them outside getting lots of fresh air and exercise, rather than computer games that turn them into bad tempered zombies.

I want to have a nicely decorated tree with all of our precious decorations unwrapped and sparkling on the tree, each one picked or made by the children in years gone by.  They are like old friends and we all love to see them and talk about where they came from.  I want to sit on Christmas morning and look at the twinkling fairy lights with the array of brightly wrapped gifts below and see the look of wonder and excitement on my children's faces when they come down the stairs.

I want to be able to indulge in nice food and drink for that one special day and not worry about the washing up or the mess or the number of calories and I want to have a lovely long dinner where everyone sits at the table and tells jokes, chats and enjoys the food without any need to rush off and do something else.  The children can have chocolate for breakfast if they want, the normal rules don't apply at Christmas.

I want to be able to snuggle up with my husband and children at the end of an exciting but exhausting day and watch TV in our lovely warm house and remember how lucky we are to be able to have such a lovely family Christmas together.