Surely there are other strung out mothers around town opening and shutting 25 very small draws extremely quickly, trying desperately to find those mini Snickers they know they stuffed in there for the children. 

The same children who are excitedly discovering treats day by day as they take turns opening one draw each time we get a sleep closer to Christmas. 

Those very same growing children who, of course, will soon be on school holidays demanding to be fed and entertained 24 hours a day for six whole weeks … where are those Snickers? 

I think I’m doing OK until I realise that I haven’t bought a single teacher’s present yet  – there are eight to consider – and I just don’t think it’s going to happen this year.  I’m worried that it will be like the first year I didn’t send Christmas cards – I never started up again. 

Sorry teachers, you are awesome, I love you, I just don’t have time to shop. 

I’ve no idea what I’m cooking for Christmas day yet. 

Generally I have that well and truly mapped out by now. 

The next big marks I have to hit are the chaplaincy Christmas party here and the Christmas play at church on Christmas Eve. 

If I’m not sorted by then, I’ll be done like a roast dinner. 

The chaplaincy party is looking a little less shiny than I’d hoped. 

My windows haven’t been washed and the spider webs are still in situ. 

I’m hoping all my Carols by Candlelight stage decorations scattered around the place will distract from the generally dusty look I’m fostering. 

The Sunday School Christmas play is going sort of okay, except we haven’t had a single rehearsal with all the cast members together yet, so not an entirely ideal preparation. 

That, and all the big words I wrote into the script that the children cannot pronounce, are providing a few hurdles.   

Each time the girls bring home another note outlining a Kris Kringle gift they have to buy, my hunt through the advent calendar for chocolate starts up again. 

Just like those Easter eggs you buy too early, the popping candy chocolate elves hidden in the very last little drawers allow for plenty of time to be replaced … I hope.   

Yolande Grosser