All I want for Christmas....

I don’t want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need…some time to actually enjoy it! Sound familiar?

Christmas is my favourite time of year and I squeeze every last ounce of Christmasiness I can out of the season. But if there is one thing Christmas usually is not for parents, it’s relaxing.

Shopping, wrapping, shopping some more, ferrying the kids from one Christmas party to the next…mums (and dads!) are the driving force behind Christmas and for the most part we get no credit for it thanks to the big man himself sneaking down the chimney on Christmas Eve to steal our thunder (and a few mince pies while he’s at it).

Once kids are in the picture we parents take a willing backseat and sometimes miss out on the fruits of our labour; instead spending too much time fretting about the festive fandango we have to deliver. That is until the big day arrives and we breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy a few hours of Christmas morning magic…at least until it’s time to start cooking Christmas dinner.

If you are finding yourself stressed out about the Christmas shopping this year try following the ‘five gift rule’…don’t get me wrong

I’m not suggesting you’ll get away with giving just five presents to your kids but it is a sure-fire way to focus the mind.

The Five Gift Rule:

1) Something they want

Toys, toys and more toys. That’s the name of the game for me. But doubtless I will also spend countless hours in the likes of Build-a-Bear and Smiggle at The Centre, Livingston filling my sack for my girls.

2) Something they need

Pretty much anything the kids need from now on is sure to be ‘part of their Christmas’; socks, hats, toothpaste… anything is fair game to keep the present-opening frenzy going longer. So even a trip to the supermarket can be fruitful.

3) Something they wear

If you’re having a clear out to make room for new clothes, why not do a good deed this Christmas and donate your pre-loved good quality children’s clothes to the likes of Kidzeco or Kids Love Clothes and make someone else’s Christmas.

4) Something they read

Pop into Waterstones in The Centre or the Little Owl’s Room at Far From The Madding Crowd in Linlithgow and pick up the perfect picture book or paperback present. There’s nothing better on a manic Christmas day than a five-minute time out reading a book.

5) Something for all the family

Take the family to the Five Sisters’ Zoo Illuminations, check out the Panto at the Regal in Bathgate or Howden Park Centre in Livingston, enjoy Christmas Afternoon Tea at Almond Valley, or just buy a new board game and enjoy some cosy family nights in during the holidays.

Whatever is on your wish list, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Until next year folks…

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.