Christmas Chill

Recently I redefined Christmas -- and it is much more relaxed.

Now my partner and I treat it as a holiday time to spend with friends, having good food and laughs.  No pressure on gift buying.

In years gone by we have done the traditional family thing, but as the family grows and the generations increase, it's much harder to keep everyone happy and visit the sprawling masses.

The kids have grown up, and their kids have grown up too and have their own kids.  Several years ago we decided as a family to reduce the gift buying extravaganza and limit to the kids.  That was the first step to sanity.

Nowadays, my partner and I leave the chaos behind and spend time visiting and being visited by friends.  Some of our family continue to embrace the festive frenzy and the gift buying has increased for them.  That's their choice.

I send gift vouchers to the six children (under 16s) and no one else.  

Everyone seems happy, and we get the celebration of our choice too.  

Calm.