Bloody bloody Christmas!!!!!

[MotherOfSuburbia]

If anyone asks, it was the moment when I asked the 13 year old to pack a pair of walking boots and he replied "I don't feel like it. Can you turn the wifi on?" that I cracked.
Finished term yesterday. Been working so hard around work trying to get everything ready for 7 of us to travel to see family for the next week. Bought and wrapped all the presents. 4 hours sleep last night trying to get the last of the washing through. Yes, I know I could be more organised but during term time, we're pretty much in survival mode.
I've had enough. Have told DP he can take the kids and presents and I'll stay here.
I know I should train them all to help. Believe me - it's another stick I can beat myself with. And now I feel shit because I lost my temper. :-(

I seem to feel like this regularly.

It will all seem worth it when you are packed up and on the road. Put your best brave face on and tackle the rest of it after Christmas! Being a mum can be thankless, treat yourself to some wine later or whatever tickles your fancy...

Just reply I don’t feel like it to everything he asks for.

I know I should train them all to help.

But why is it you. Why is it always the women who has to do the training?! Sorry but I too snapped the other day. When I was picking up the 100th nappy that DH had left lying around and 7yo DDs clothes strewn across the landing. I said I would be going on strike.

This is Christmas. Time for a break. Time for everyone else to give you a break. And then when you're home it's time for a chat and consequences.

I absolutely hate this suggestion but can you get a cleaner if you can afford it, you cant do it all and IME most kids are untrainable if you dont start really early

Thanks all. Went off and had a shower and got dressed which calmed me down. Things just seem to reach a peak and boil over every now and then. Most of the time, things are rushing along at such a pace that you don't get time to stop and think! I think Christmas just seems especially stark because you spend so much time trying to find ways to make it perfect for everyone else and no other bugger seems to care. Anyway, big girl pants on. Nobody made me have this many kids! Back to the grindstone...

@MotherOfSuburbia his is exactly why we stay at home! X

But if other people don't care about it being perfect why do you spend so much time trying to ensure it is? I don't mean specifically you but so many women on her seem to get worked up about Christmas being some special, magical time of year with a very clear picture of what it should be when actually it doesn't matter to the rest of the family who would be happy to just chill out and do what they want.

My house is a tip, we had a mountain of washing (machine broke didn't have one for a week and bedding/dressing gowns). Today I've dragged the kids to the launderette to wash and dry it all at once and they will help tidy when we get back or there won't be christmassy fun. (Gingerbread house, films, cookies that they want to do)

But don't sweat the small stuff, and make things easier for yourself even if it costs a bit more that's what I'm doing 😁

It is a hard time of year. Everyone has spent the year trying to keep everything on track. You can see the finish line but there's one big hurdle to get over first. Give yourself a small timeout to recharge. Once you feel better, delegate a task to each person (age appropriate) and you'll be on the road before you know it. The 13 year-old is old enough to understand consequences so give him the option of no WiFi for a week if he doesn't do his task. Set house rules and follow through with consequences if they don't do their share. They are all part of your family and everyone has to help out. It is a good lesson for life.