For the most part, December 25th is filled with smiling faces, excited kids and ful stomachs.
But, as with any day of the year, it is likely that at least one thing will go wrong. (It has to despite all your planning.)
Here are some common fails that will inevitably happen on Christmas Day…
A toy will be forgotten
With so many to remember, you can’t really be blamed for this one but you will have to make a decision: try to sneak it under the tree at a later stage (James Bond-style) or save it until next year (clever parent-style).
Batteries!
Every year! One year you’ll overlook buying them altogether. Then you’ll buy the AAs but not realise that something requires AAA batteries. You’ll get both then only to find that something needs those stupid flat batteries. We hate those flat batteries.
The wrong recipient
You had it all figured out but then when you wrapped them, all of the presents started looking the same. But rather than undoing all of your hard work, you stuck a name on it and took a risk. Unfortunately, some times, that risk does not pay off.
The wrong toy
While you might not realise the difference between this ‘Frozen’ figurine and that frozen figurine, your offspring do. And yes, you’ll try to let it go (see what we did there?) but it’s all you’ll think about for the rest of the day.
The wrong size
The only thing we’ll say about this is thank goodness for gift receipts!
Something will get burnt
The important thing to remember here is that it’s not the end of the world and with so many items on each plate, nobody will go hungry. One lesson you should take away from this is to have someone else make dinner next year.
A toy will get the better of you
As a parent there are certain things you will learn with every Christmas. Number one: instruction booklets are there for a reason. Number two: preparation and perseverance are key. Number three: whatever you do, don’t lose your cool.
Someone will drink too much
Alcohol will be flowing in all its forms – wine, spirits, beer (we’re thirsty just writing about it) – which will lead to more alcohol and some sore heads the following morning. Ah well, it’s only Christmas once a year!
Something will get broken
It could be the person from the aforementioned point. It could be an accidental elbow whilst reaching across the table to pull a cracker. It could be any number of things. Just know that it will happen.
A swear word will escape your lips (and a child will hear)
This usually happens shortly after any/all of the above. (Maybe try to turn it into a nice word such as “ssshhhh…ugar!”)
