Bah Humbug

Merry Christmas and all that. I must admit I feel more like Bah Humbug this year.

W's main job on saturday was to get to the post office before midday to get the parcels. Mum didn't think that was important as "it will be better for the kids to wait until after Christmas to open extra presents" so they didn't get there. Kids were quite spoilt in the end. Mum got Miss I a digital camera, plus she got a sim card for my old phone. J got a bit of lego which he has had great fun with. He was awake at 5.30 this morning, but did have a huge sleep this afternoon

My brother has been in fine form and made the day quite miserable for me- just complaining that Mum is doing too much work around here and then, of course, Mum has a 'woe is me' "I'm always treated like a slave when I come up here" which is not true. It is just that she can't accept the way we live and strives to make our house like hers. So I cooked all of Xmas dinner, did the dishes from the main course and then after BIL and family left, went for a nap and asked W to wash the glasses and pudding bowls etc. Some ahs been done and if I don't go and do some more Mum will jump in and do it. Of course brother has not lifted a finger.

Oh and today is my only day off in 10 days. Worked 9-6.30 yesterday, 8.30-5.30 tomorrow and 7-12 Wednesday. Plus I have my ultrasound on Wednesday.

But I am still a lazy so and so in their eyes. I don't know why but I am just surrounded by people who constantly undermine my self-confidence. The kids loved having their cousins over and BIL and SIL raved about my cooking. No comments from brother and mum just made snide references about the fat the potatoes were cooked in. Once a year I do 'proper' roast potatoes and use lots of fat.

On the present side of things, I got the cookbook and a novel I had on lay-by, plus a fish platter which is kinda nice. Mum then gave W some money to buy me something with the kids so I have a pedicure voucher which is very much appreciated. I & J both chose some jewellery for me- some cute heart earrings and a locket. W got me a magnet that says 'never never never give up' which is actually quite insightful from him. Mum gave me an apron and pot holder from Harrods and a trinket container from her visit to Russia. It is actually very pretty. Plus she has paid for vacation club membership for us, not that we can afford to use it.

I am just over the whole Xmas thing. I'm glad my kids have had a great day. Miss I has gone off with her cousins for a sleepover. W is helping J with his lego. Brother is doing nothing and Mum is taking washing off the line. No doubt I am expected to be doing that. I had a nap this afternoon and will be heading to bed soon. I don't know what would make Xmas happier in our family. We are so dysfunctional. P would have a field day with my brother's anger, but perhaps we shouldn't go there!