Each year we buy the kids a tree decoration to add to their collection, so that one day when they have a tree of their own, they’ll have decorations to put on it. This year they chose their own, and they loved having responsibility for trimming the tree. It was interesting to watch the 3 year old hang decoration after decoration on the same poor little branch, and – as a friend remarked the other day – the difference a year makes, as the 4 year old was definitely getting the hang of spreading the decorations about to complete the tree.

We have family all over the world, and this year we were privileged to have some of our family from the UK {and Queensland} over to join us. Each year is different and this year we all shared in the preparation of the food. Everyone was responsible for part of the meal, and since I love giving surprises, no-one knew the full menu until the day… they were chuffed to see their names and dishes alongside everyone elses and there was a keen sense of participation and giving. It worked so well, I’m pretty sure we’ll be doing it again next year.

Our kids were so patient… it wasn’t planned but the gift giving became an incidental part of the day rather than the main focus. During an interval in our very late lunch, we shared gifts with our family. The part I look forward to most is the giving and receiving of Christmas cards. It’s our chance to reflect on the past year each person has had and express our hope for the year ahead (yep, we’re a soppy bunch, but it’s cool). And the gifts. Nothing big, amazing or over the top – oh, except for my Mum who was ever so spoilt by Dad – just a gesture. And it was the perfect way to show our children that Christmas has far more meaning than Santa and presents. It’s one of the few days of the year when we can stop what we’re doing and come together as family and share a meal and each other’s company. It was the best!