Behind every happy family Christmas photo there's a crying child

It’s December. The month of Christmas! Party season, elf on the shelf, family gatherings, Christmas markets, pigs in blankets and the odd glass of mulled wine.

But if you’re not participating in any of the above, that’s okay too.

You don’t have to get photos of the whole family in matching PJs to prove you’re having a good time.

And you don’t have to bother with a grotto visit, or feel the need to buy a million presents just to prove you’re a good parent.

image shows the writer Lynne Hoggan next to a quote: "Just getting the family together with a cosy blanket and some snacks makes for a nice festive evening."

None of these things really matter.

There is a lot of pressure on us all at this time of the year though.

I get sucked into the advent calendar thing.

But that’s probably because I was brought up with chocolate advent calendars every year and it’s so exciting taking that wee treat out every day in the run up to Christmas.

photo shows Lynne Hoggan's sons opening their advent calendars. — Lynne’s boys tear open day one on their chocolate advent calendars.

And have you noticed how advent calendars have raised their game?

You can get gin, cheese and even cosmetics versions these days.

And often they cost a fortune.

Social media pressure is hard to avoid.

And with elf on the shelf becoming a tradition in houses across Scotland it can be a lot of work.

We love to reminisce about our favorite elf ideas from years past!❤️ RT to share these fun, popular elf ideas with your followers: https://t.co/Glti2mbTlb ! #ElfontheShelf #ElfIdeas #ElfPets pic.twitter.com/80WAmMGl8I

— elfontheshelf (@elfontheshelf) December 1, 2022

My son Myles asked me if the elves come to life in December.

And so I told him: “Some do but some like to sleep longer and don’t wake up til the 10th”.

Well, at least I’ve bought myself a bit of extra time.

Christmas family fun needn’t cost the Earth

Don’t worry if you’re not on the ball with everything this Christmas though.

Most of the time I’m definitely not.

photo shows Lynne Hoggan with a small white Christmas tree on her head. — Lynne is a big fan of all-things Christmas.

I’m always running around trying to find things at the last minute.

But there’s lots that can be done to get everyone into the festive spirit now, without having to spend a fortune.

I’m talking about hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Or settling in for the first Christmas movie on the television.

image shows scenes from four films - Die Hard, Elf, It's A Wonderful Life and Muppet Christmas Carol. — Die Hard, Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life and Muppet Christmas Carol – there’s a Christmas movie for every family.

Just getting the family together with a cosy blanket and some snacks makes for a nice festive evening.

Put up some Christmas decorations.

Get them out the loft this weekend and make it a family event.

Add some Christmas music into the mix and you’re sorted.

Remember my station, Pure Radio, has gone 100% Christmas up until Boxing Day so there will be plenty of festive tunes to keep that festive feeling going strong this month.

All I want for Christmas is… Mr Blobby?😂🎅 #merrychristmas #mrblobby pic.twitter.com/2Mtn1KQkoJ

— Pure Radio (@PureRadioScot) November 29, 2022

There’s nothing like the Christmas classics to provide the soundtrack to some baking, or the tree going up, or any other excuse for a wee family get together.

Oh and don’t believe everything you see on social media.

Because behind every nice festive family pic, there’s almost certainly a child having a meltdown.