There is so much to think about and do if you are a mother. Lists to write and plans to make all to keep everyone happy. I can say from experience it is hard work. As Xmas draws nearer again we all seem to act like we didn't know it was coming and we do that every year but it does come every year so it really should be of no surprise. I don't think anyone other than woman realise how much work is involved and it actually starts with the planning. If one thing is missing or not thought about for us it is disaster for the holidays. It doesn't help that the kids are off for a week before which holds up some of the things we have to do.

I find the lists keep me sane. I have a list for cards, then a full list of everyone that I have to get a present for, followed by my Xmas shopping list and Boxing Day list. Now I know I am not the only one that does it this way because for one thing I have trained both my daughters to do this. One is so into it that she actually starts in January for the following Xmas. So I do my card list as some get posted some get hand delivered but it is all worked out in advance. Special cards for my children and their wives or husbands, special for the brothers and sister then the across the miles all need to be written and stamped in advance of the posting dates.

Present lists are essential so no one gets missed out which I sadly did with my son when he was three and have never forgiven myself for. So a list is a must do. Then we come to food which can make or break Xmas can't it? So I do a Xmas dinner list and because everyone comes to me on Boxing Day I do a buffet list. I do put all the treats and extras on the Xmas Day list so I don't forget anything like a vegetable that we only have on that one day a year. I do a massive dinner which just gets eaten by my two grown sons and myself. It is special as it is the only time we all sit at the table together but I ask myself "Why do I do four meats with three types of potato and eight veg?" Let me tell you it is habit after so many years I don't trim it back.

The problem I have is I never want anything and it drives my kids mad. Obviously they all love me and want to get me a nice present but I really am hard work. This year will be the exception as long as they have picked up on my gentle hints and club together. If they do I will be so happy. I want a ceiling fan that is new to the UK called a Fanaway EVO2 which I saw on a website recently. When it is not on it is just a light but the magic starts when you turn it on the blades come out and it is a fan. The same when you turn it off they disappear back into the body so it is just a light. It even comes with a remote control and I have decided this the only present I want this year plus my chocolate orange.