Christmas has never been simple in our family. 

With two sets of divorced parents, and our combined family scattered the length of the country, we've caught ourselves up in all kinds of complex Christmas arrangements, including, famously, the time when my sister and I swapped Mum and Dad over half way through the day, with a series of hushed calls and the kind of precision timing that would impress even Swiss Rail. We've driven down - and up - the country on Christmas morning. We've celebrated with the in-laws and the in-laws in-laws - both ways around. And we have had to take a tough stance at times. Negotiations start early, usually in the summer holidays, when the last thing you want to think about is where you'll be in 5 months time! 

Despite the complexities, we all love Christmas in our family -  whatever we do, it's fun; whoever we're with, we enjoy their company; and wherever we are, there's a warm welcome - especially if we've driven through the night to get there! But this Christmas is going to be the simplest yet - we're staying put! Celebrating by ourselves, in our own little family, in our own home. It's going to be a special time, a lovely change, and I can't wait!

Whether you're a new Mum Abroad or an old hand at Christmassing away from home, it's always tough to be away from loved ones at important times. But what I've learnt in my 8 years of living abroad is that we can make every get together a little like Christmas - whether it's in August, October, April or over Skype. We learn to make more of our precious time with those we love. And we discover that there's many ways of celebrating, many ways of connecting and many ways of creating the roots, the traditions and the memories that our children love and value.

Wherever you're spending your festive season, whoever with and whatever doing - I hope you find time to relax, revive yourself and restore your spirit.   

If you have time before Christmas, specifically on the morning of Friday 13th December, I'm having my last Open House of the year - you're very welcome,  just let me know if you can make it!  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Kirstin  

www.alivetochange.com 

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kirstin@alivetochange.com