shazrasha | "Merry Christmas" or "How to really appreciate your parents"

I don't know about you but I am not one to be overly christmassy every year. I often bemoan the fact that Christmas starts in November (or even October in some places). I see no reason to send Christmas cards to people I will be seeing over the holiday. Though (to be fair) this year I forgot to send them to those I won't see either. I hate seeing lame Christmas jokes on every advert and the random christmas themed shows just for the sake of it. Schmaltzy films do my head in especially when we get over 800 in two weeks. Not to mention silly hats and food I don't like the taste of (mince pies, christmas pud and prawn cocktails).

HOWEVER I just had the best Christmas EVER and I mean it. Working as I do either side of the Christmas weekend and up to New Year my time is limited and I was prepared to treasure each moment.

I drove home to Wales to see my family who I have not seen for quite a while. My Mum, Dad,

midnightoak and Morgan.

We had a fantastic meal at my Mum's with all the Swedish trimmings (except Lutfisk that we couldn't get hold of). I even tried the pigs trotters. We cooked, washed up, drank lots of tea and then opened our presents.

I was unable to be at my Dad's Christmas meal but did get quality time with him before coming home to Chester for K's Christmas meal. This too was a lovely dinner.

Now why was it the best christmas ever? Well when talking to other people about their time together you hear a lot about how stressful this time of year is for them. The enforced closeness and cheer that they all have. So I would like this chance to state.

We had NO arguments! Nice food cooked by all of us together! We had fun playing games and watching telly! All my gifts were appreciated even the ones K will get more use out of than me. And hearing all about everything I just wanted to say to the world "I, truly, truly, am grateful everyday for having My Parents"

Oh and just to finish off. I dare anyone not to have a fun christmas when someone has to try to do a charade of the object "edible underwear"!