Save yourself from the expectations of the 'perfect' Christmas

It wouldn’t happen without you — the festive gifts, groceries, decorating, cleaning, and cooking required for the expected Hollywood-standard family Christmas. Is it any wonder you’re fit to explode? asks Áilín Quinlan.

How come all the hard work seems to land on mum’s shoulders? Do we really have to take it all on ourselves? And why this insane belief that it’s our job to make Christmas wonderful for everyone else?

All too often, mum ends up overworked, under-appreciated — and deeply resentful because she gets caught in the “making memories” trap, according to mother-of-two Stella O’Malley (41) from Birr, Co Offaly.