An Irish Mammy at Christmas

They say its Santa's busiest time of year but no one ever thinks about poor Mrs Claus running around the kitchen tripping over elves and wrestling the giant turkey while her husband is out scoffing cookies and brandy!

In my house Christmas wouldn't exist without my Mum. She is the chef, the host, the cleaner, the caretaker, the nanny, the personal shopper and the referee. She is by far the magic behind every twinkling fairy light which she evenly spaced along the mantle piece.

Her Christmas begins in November, when she stocks up on the limited edition cheeses, pate's  and crates of beer! She calls each of us to find out what we would like over the holiday period and spares no expense meeting our every preference. She then orders the turkey/ham and plans the dinner(s), three in total but that doesn't include all the breakfasts, lunches and mini dinners she prepares in between! After food its the presents, and once again, no expense is spared. The woman will spend every last penny she has on her children and grandchild all the while telling you she didn't spend much to avoid guilt on our part. 

The Christmas tree would put Rockefeller Center to shame! She spends hours delicately placing each fairy light to shine through her Waterford crystal decorations and then carefully wraps the branches with tinsel. It is admired by all, but she doesn't do it for the pride or compliments. I know with each decoration placed she thinks "I hope they like this". 

She makes her way upstairs to prepare the rooms. The awaiting beds are dressed in their Sunday best! Brand new sheets (sometimes duvets!) are expertly folded in military style and lockers are emptied for our personal belongings. She has even supplied toiletries we may need and new underwear (just in case!). 

She is the last to go to bed and the first to rise. If we go out to the pub she'll be up waiting for us when we come back, no matter what time. The fire will be cleaned out at 7am every morning and a new one set just so the house is warm for us when we rise. The tea will be made and the frying pan heating. Once we have breakfast eaten she will clear it up, make the beds after us and then take us where ever we want to go. In the evenings she makes sure no one has an empty glass or tummy and refuses to sit down unless everyone else is happy.

So its not the perfect Christmas / Stephens Day / New Years Day Dinner that makes the holiday so special, its the dedication behind it all. The hope in her eyes that her children are happy and the genuine concern for our well-being. 

She loves to see us arrive and cries when we leave, she is my absolute hero. She's my Mum and without her Christmas just wouldn't be worth celebrating.  

.... no offence Dad!