They think it's all over....

It is now.

The day starts so well, seeing your children excited in ways you couldn't believe possible. The eyes open in such eager joy as they see the presents lined up on the living room floor and can't believe they are all for them. Running after them with camera trying to capture that moment that stays in your head forever, but never really gets caught on print. Then, sharing a few minutes as you exchange presents with your loved one, before the kids want to show you how their newest toy laughs when you squeeze it's tummy or can fly across the living room when they let go.

All that time spent deciding what to buy for our loved ones, and will they like it. Queueing up at Tesco's in those mad few days to get fresh ingredients for the dinner you are cooking for all your family. Slaving over the stove all morning and fretting about whether everything will be ready in time, and at the same time. The potatoes are overdone, and the brussel sprouts need longer.
Then, everyone turns up and the 2 days you spent cleaning your house because you want it to look gret for everyone has been wiped from the memory as 12 pairs of dirty shoes walk through every room in your house.

Then you open up presents from your family and realise, from what some have bought you, that they really don't know you at all. But at least they are here and thought to buy you something at all, quietly thinking, thank God for Ebay.

All that time, and then it is over before you know it. Memories of funny things said and done, especially by the kids, embarrasing their parents, linger. Listening to funny stories that people had heard recently and relayed in true 'comedian' style with bottle of beer in one hand and the other swaying to and fro in descriptive meaning.

Then, the worry and stress that had your hair turning grey at 11am is a distant memory as the last roast spud goes down your uncle's neck (then you worry if you made enough!) at 2.30pm and all the food is gone. All the fuss and it's over before you know it. And did you sit back and take it all in, watching your kids play with their presents (later crying their eyes out when you take them off at bedtime)?
Then, hearing a story on the news and realising just how lucky you are. And how easily things could be so different.

We then grab a coffee and remember that in about 2 hours time, there are another 15 people coming round and it all starts again.

One day, you'll miss moments like this so much, you wish it was Xmas every day.