When I was a young teenager I lost my mum at Christmas. For years and years I couldn’t enjoy this time of year. I’d either try too hard and over do it (legendary was the year I invited 14 people who didn’t know each other for Christmas dinner, and my cooker broke down) or don’t try at all and spend the day on my own. Oh I made so many bad Christmasses! I just couldn’t get it right. With no family Christmas is hard to navigate

But now, I have my family - my lovely husband and my mum in law, a sister in law and a brother. Over the past ten years they’ve taught me that Christmas can be what you want it to be if you just chill out. Its not about money, or showing off, or trying to pretend its not happening because you think it might hurt and you don’t want it to. Christmas is about being yourself with the people you love and who love you too. Farting and belching in front of the TV, eating too much, making a great big eejit of yourself in a daft game and crying over the sentimental films.

I still remember my mum at Christmas - and my dad who died before I was toddling. But I remember the happy times, and I laugh over all those odd Christmasses in my twenties now. Because what i love absolutely the most about the year now is Christmas, and what I love most about it is my family. We won’t all be together this year - except through the magic of ID mobile. But they will always be the centre of it all - come turkey or vegan nut roast.

Thanks for giving me the chance to remember all this. I think its time for a mince pie now x

What I love the most about the festive season is experiencing a historic tradition that involves joy and family gatherings, spending time with your relatives, buying and receiving gifts and the best part, Christmas food and discounts!

Best thing is finishing work on Christmas eve. Getting home to the family in New Christmas pj's, polar express on TV.

Oh yeah beer and cheese too. 👍😃

For me, the best part of Christmas is, and always has been, the opportunity to spend quality time with my friends and family, without the worries of work dangling over my head. But it’s also one of the few times of year when that magical feeling is as vivid as it was when you were a child.

for me its having all the family and especially seeing the kids excited opening their presents, then later seeing friends to celebrate

Love Christmas, always have.  No matter how bad the year has been the kids are so excited and for such a short time, it’s very special.

The food

Chilling with my family, watching Christmas TV, listening to festive tunes and generally pigging out turkey and all the trimmings!

The best part about the festive season is usually getting together with family. It's a time when most people are off work. And when I say family I mean alot of people spanning 4 generations. At least 50 of us! Its crazy but I wouldn't change it for the world. The fun food and laughter is the best. This year just won't be the same! 

I enjoy spending time with my family and seeing my boys faces Christmas morning  :-)