This Christmas and New Year didn’t quite unfold the way we had imagined.
It was slower than expected — and at times frustrating — especially after looking forward to a busy, family-filled festive season. This was the year we were meant to be hosting, with extended family coming together, traditions in place, and a house full of noise and laughter.
Instead, Christmas Eve looked very different.
Lillie and I both ended up asleep in bed, unwell with the flu virus, while Simon and the boys headed out bowling without us. We had been so looking forward to our annual Christmas Eve cinema trip — this year to see Avatar: Fire and Ash — but our tickets had to be cancelled. It was disappointing, but it also set the tone for what was to come: letting go of plans and learning to slow down.
When Festive Plans Change
Lillie became unwell around the 20th of December, and I followed a few days later on the 23rd. We’d both had our flu vaccinations on the 15th, but there simply hadn’t been enough time for them to take effect. The boys, who had been vaccinated earlier in October, thankfully stayed well.
The timing meant that in the days leading up to Christmas, plans had to be reconsidered quickly — and carefully — with everyone’s health in mind.
The Difficult Decisions We Had to Make
The hardest part was cancelling traditions and plans that involved other people.
My mum was meant to stay with us over Christmas — she still visited, but didn’t stay, and I hated the thought of her going home to an empty house. Simon’s family were also due to join us, and making the decision to cancel was not an easy one.
But seeing just how poorly Lillie and I were, I knew we were doing the right thing. Christmas morning began with a trip to the hospital after Lillie struggled to breathe and had chest pains — a truly frightening start to the day.
A Slower Christmas Than Planned
Once the difficult decisions were made, Christmas slowed right down — and in many ways, that became its gift.
We spent our days watching films, playing board games, and enjoying countless games of pool (the boys’ favourite present by far). With no appetite, no overindulgence and no alcohol, it was the first Christmas I can remember where I didn’t gain any festive weight — an unexpected silver lining.
Finding Joy in the Quiet Moments
What surprised me most was how much everyone rested.
The boys slept in — unheard of in our house — and it felt like we collectively gave ourselves permission to truly relax. On the days when Lillie and I felt well enough to join in, we played, laughed, and enjoyed being together in a quieter, gentler way.
One of my favourite moments was simply sitting back and watching everyone open their presents on Christmas morning. Seeing the joy on their faces — especially when they opened something they’d been hoping for — reminded me that the heart of Christmas was still very much there.
Lessons This Christmas Gently Taught Me
This experience was a stark reminder for me personally.
I’m usually always on the go, especially in the run-up to Christmas — dashing from one place to another, juggling everything and everyone. This was my reminder that I’m not infallible, and that I need to listen to my own advice: slow down, rest, and take care of myself.
Christmas has always been about being together as a family, and we still did — even if I missed some of our traditions and felt guilty that our illness impacted others, too. I also worried about the extra pressure it placed on Simon, even though I know he never begrudged it.
Welcoming the New Year at a Gentler Pace
As we moved into the New Year, Lillie and I were still far from 100%, tiring easily and battling lingering coughs. But we did manage to keep one tradition alive — our New Year’s Day walk on the coast, followed by fish and chips.
We were rewarded with the most stunning sunsets, and it felt like a quiet promise of better days ahead.
What I’m Taking Into 2026
Looking forward to 2026, my intention is simple: to take better care of my health and truly listen to my body.
I remember a conversation before Christmas with a stranger in a queue about how much we all miss the slower pace of lockdown life. This Christmas reminded me that we don’t need a lockdown to slow down — we just need to make better choices.
Despite everything, I’m grateful. We were still together, and I know many families this year were missing loved ones they’d lost. Our Christmas wasn’t what we planned — but we still had the most important thing of all.
Each other.