The special book
Over the last two or three years, our primary school has introduced a number of behaviour incentives – for both ends of the scale. In the past, they gave out certificates to one person per class for doing something well that week – it could have been a good piece of work or it could just have been someone who was usually naughty behaving themselves a bit better. The theory was that every kid in the school would get a...
Taking Boxing Day back
Traditionally, Boxing Day was always spent at my mum’s – leftover turkey and a walk, followed by some games. The games were often quizzes, my family love a quiz at Christmas. My husband hates a quiz at Christmas. Or at any time. After Boxing Day, we would head up to my in-laws’ in Cheshire. Having already spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my family, that was adding up to a lot of time with extended family...
‘It’s the thought that counts’
‘It’s the thought that counts,’ is said far too often after Christmas. Of course it is the thought that counts, that’s what giving presents is about. But when is it actually said? When a present is a bit crap. Because the thought of buying a present counts, but so often the thought that’s gone into it is completely lacking. And if you can’t put thought into a present and buy something someone would...
Christmas Eve boxes and other Christmassy things I won’t do
Over the last couple of years, ie the time I have spent hanging around on social media, I have noticed a strange new phenomenon. Christmas Eve boxes. In case you’re not aware, these are essentially presents. On Christmas Eve. Y’know, the day before your kids get a sh*t load of presents. They include things like new pyjamas, DVDs, books and treats like hot chocolate and popcorn. I have seen some which contain more presents,...