The Christmas holidays are here and, if you’re anything like me, you’re not quite ready. In our case, we’re largely sorted in terms of shopping and so on, but not mentally or emotionally prepared. This isn’t ideal as the break between terms two and three this year is the best part of three weeks. With …
I was going to write another of my ‘What I watched this week’ posts today. However, the main thing I was planning on covering – a family Christmas film – annoyed me so much in the first few minutes that I switched it off. I had to as it began to float the idea of …
As I’m endeavouring to be less of a Grinch this year, I’ve been thinking about the things I’ll enjoy this Christmas. The logic, of course, is that if I start thinking about them sooner, my festive spirit should be stronger. So here are five Christmas traditions I’m really looking forward to… Swearing Scots I first …
I pride myself on dealing with important questions on Diary of the Dad. So here’s one that has been troubling me for years. Why do people buy Panettone at Christmas? For ten months or so, it vanishes from our thoughts. But then, as December approaches, it suddenly appears again. People go mad for it, leaving me …
We love visiting Drusillas Park so it was great to visit at the weekend to see what it has to offer this Christmas. Especially as one of the challenges I’ve set myself on my 40 before 40 list is to be less of a Grinch! There are a fair few festive additions this Christmas at …
One of the best times to be self-employed is Christmas. I’ve written about the reasons for this before, so won’t repeat myself. Apart from saying that one of the things I really don’t miss about my old life is the office Christmas party. Particularly in the last job I had before becoming my own boss. …
I’ve been a parent for over seven years. I’ve also been blogging about it for the same amount of time. You’d think that writing about my experience of parenting would focus my thoughts and improve my approach as a result. Well if recent events are anything to go by, I’ve learned nothing. In my defence …
I’ve written a couple of posts recently that some people may have taken as digs at Christmas. First I wrote a silly one about my family getting excited a bit earlier than usual. Then I wrote a sensible one along the same lines for Dad.Info. Neither were; I was just grumbling about people wishing away …
One of the joys of working from home is that I don’t hear too many Christmas songs too early. Still, as we’re getting closer to the big day, I’ve been enjoying a few here and there. The likes of Slade, Wizzard and The Darkness have, of course, got a decent amount of airtime. There are certain tracks, …
As our house is up for sale at the moment, I’m no stranger to cleaning in a hurry. We often receive calls about viewings at short notice so I’m always ready to scrub things. With three children around, there’s usually a mess somewhere. While I’m far from being a clean freak, I always have things close to hand to …