I’m certainly not The Queen, but I like to think I am queen of my little household, so here is a message for my subjects: DOG: Sorry you didn’t get as many presents this year but we’ve got Baby to think of now. I know its cold outside but please don’t leave any of your own little Yule logs on the floor overnight. Yes you can sleep on the bed.

BABY: You probably won’t really remember this Christmas, but this time tomorrow you will have some more things to play with than you did today and maybe next year when you see the sparkly lights and tinsel again you might know that good things are about to happen? Daddy and I are going to try to start laying down some festive traditions from now that we can repeat every year, things I hope you remember, enjoy and look forward to. Things you may do with your own children one day. Merry Christmas to my own little elf, you are the best present I could have.

HUSBAND: I won’t say its been an Annus Horriblis but its hard isn’t it? Now the drawbridge has been drawn up and the moat is flooded lets take some time to reflect on what we have, enjoy ourselves and relax. I love you.

TO MY FELLOW HOUSEWIVES: Forget God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – lets rest the Gentlewomen too! Being a parent its hard sometimes to look forward to the festive season isn’t it? All that time off work that means so much to everyone else can seem pointless to you - every day involves work when you have a child. Every day is the same when you are bound by the relentless routine of the household. We’ve already started debating who gets the cook the Christmas dinner – if you do you get to be in the kitchen with the radio and some sherry, if you don’t you get to occupy the Baby and Dog! Christmas can be just another day of caring for your charge but with added stress. So it is testament to the meaning of the season that we still in our hearts look forward to it.

Now I really understand how children really make Christmas in a way I didn’t before. I am looking forward to seeing Baby play with some new things this year, be excited by the crackly paper and being able to spend some more time together as a family.

May your turkey be juicy and your gravy smooth – and if it’s not then reach for a shop bought mince pie and your favourite tipple!

AND TO ANYONE ELSE READING: I hope no one is too disappointed by what Santa brings them this year, whether it’s a present or the fact you wanted to feel more loved, more rested or more merry! We don’t always get what we want and Christmas holds so many expectations for us. I am going to try to relax and not expect too much, in the conflicting needs of a chaotic household managing to steal a kiss under the mistletoe or get five minutes nap might be enough this year.

I wish you a relaxing, peaceful and merry merry Christmas. RH xxx