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It’s Christmas…

Here we are approaching Christmas again, and I love it . I’m busy making my ‘to do’ list for buying gifts, baking, tree decorating, and generally making sure I don’t forget anything - I’m already nagging Hoss to check that everything is in the attic as expected, ready to get down as soon as December arrives .

And I’ve also got a few fun things booked, like visiting Santa with my grandson, and seeing the Nutcracker ballet at the London Colosseum (that’ll really put me in the mood). As always, I’m beyond excited the closer we get to the big day.

I’m not sure why, but this time of year always makes me feel a bit nostalgic. I get a sort of wistful joy, remembering what it was like when our boys were small; every Christmas Eve gathering for a party with extended family, and Hoss’ wonderful Mum presiding over the event. And then the chaos of Christmas day racing downstairs at the crack of dawn to see that Santa had been, and left sacks of presents for the boys.

I have to admit, that while I look back with fond memories of all those Christmasses past, I relish the Christmas present (no pun intended ). They were frantic and loud and brilliant fun; and grew bigger year on year as the next generation had babies of their own. The dining table creaked with an overload of festive food, and you couldn’t see the floor for presents and wrapping paper. And then there was - the noise! Of course I was younger then, and more able cope with the mayhem…

It's different now. Not better or worse – just different. Christmas has become a quieter affair; the ‘boys’ are in their thirties (so thankfully don’t wake us at the crack of dawn!). Daniel and Niamh will host Christmas Day. We’ll get to watch four year old Sebastian experience the magic of Christmas, followed by a fabulous lunch which I haven’t had to cook.. Hoss and I will have time to sit back and enjoy every precious moment of being with our wonderful family, at such a special time of year. It will be a time of new memories being created, and old memories being revisited.

Summer Holidays

Ah - the joys of the school summer holidays. Weeks of fun in the sun, and magical days out. Happy smiling children as you plan the next exciting adventure for them… 🌞😎

Or more realistically your once orderly routine has descended into chaos, the BBC weather app has become your new best friend in an effort to dodge the rain, and you're constantly managing the demands for a never ending supply of snacks!

But as the summer holidays draw to a close and sanity slowly re-emerges, thoughts turn to the new school year and how much you're going to miss them. Yes, really…

Maybe your child is starting primary school for the first time. Or setting off on a grand new adventure in secondary education. Or maybe your young adult is flying the nest and heading for their first taste of independence at college or university.

Whatever stage they’re at, you’ll start to feel them cutting away from you. Did they really grow up so quickly? Don’t I have more time with them? Will I become less relevant in their life?

In answer to the above questions. Yes. Yes. And a resounding NO! Parenting is a roller coaster ride. Enjoy every milestone. Every transition. And treasure every precious moment – even if it is still raining!

It’s a Mother Thing

I’m feeling a bit flat! – but for all the right reasons. Actually can there be any right reasons for feeling ‘a bit flat’?

You see, last week my son got married. For almost six years Oliver has dated his perfect match – the love of his life. Beautiful Bea is everything I could have ever wished for my son – she keeps him grounded when he’s up in the air, and yet she flies with him when he needs a companion for his madcap aspirations. She’s beautiful, gentle, strident, kind, generous, warm hearted… everything in equal measure. Everything he needs and deserves. And everything we ever dreamed of in a daughter in law.

After almost a year of planning, and the final few months of being actively engaged in wedding preparations, the big day finally arrived. And what a day! The weather was on our side with glorious sunshine all day, the ceremony was stunning (if not just a little emotional), and the reception sumptuous. It was just so special to see all our family and friends gathered in one place to celebrate this lovely couple. Smiles and tears all round.

But now, here I am – no longer needed for the moment. No urgent phone calls to check this, amend that, or accompany Bea on her final dress fitting… And this pause has given me time to reflect.

I reflect on all the different stages of Oliver’s life. So many transitions, so many momentous occasions, from his first day on planet earth; realising he could whistle at just a year old; his first day at nursery; countless school plays at primary and then grammar school – including the Rocky Horror Show, in stockings and suspenders (!!?), and the Full Monty – well you know how that ends… Then before I knew it he was off to university, followed by drivers licence, first job, career, first home, and even his own dog.

Now as his mother, I’m pausing to take in the experience of all my jumbled emotions. The joy of seeing him living his best life with the love of his life; but also (slightly selfishly) the emptiness of knowing that he doesn’t need me quite as much as he used to.

So forgive me for feeling ‘flat’ – I think it must just be a mother thing. It will pass, and I’m sure it won’t be too long before the phone rings and I’m needed again.

A final thought for all you busy parents out there, dashing around on school runs, swimming lessons, uni drop-offs, or whatever - take a minute to appreciate every precious moment

(Main image on the post courtesy of Origin Studios. Grateful thanks to Ian Boichat)

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