This year was a milestone for me, Christmas day would be the first time I have celebrated it as a single parent. I know that might sound funny as we have been separated almost 3 years but for Christmas we have always been together as a family. This year was going to be different.
Throwing myself into the preparations for the festivities is something I do every year. Headlong into buying gifts, decorating and doing everything I can to make it as fun as possible. We thought it would just be me and the two girls but at the beginning of December the boys announced they would be coming through too. They said they wanted to be here for Christmas Day so I gave them the option of coming through for just Christmas day dinner etc or to stay longer, from Christmas Eve and until Boxing day, which they took up.
Christmas Eve was as manic as it should be but the boys helped me prep all of the gifts for the girls and I think were pleasantly surprised with how many presents they had too. I’m sure they thought there would only be a couple when in fact the table was full of gifts for them both (I am not bragging at all, I am however proud of myself that I worked damn hard this year to do it all myself so allow me this!)
Obviously as the boys are older things become more expensive so by the time you buy one hoodie and pair of jogging pants for a 16 year old… to keep them all the same, the equivalent in toys for a 5 year old is quite different! Hence it looking like an explosion in a toy factory by the time everyone had finished opening presents.
Evie presented me with a glass jar full of drawings and papers she had written messages on for me. There was one that brought me to tears. How lucky am I, honestly my heart felt like it would burst that she saved her tooth fairy money to give to me. *sob*
They all said it was a perfect day and they got exactly what they wanted/asked Santa for so my job was done. The smiles on their faces was enough to know that all the work I put in last year was well worth it … and of course I am going to have to double it this year to step up my game for Christmas 2020!
