Joanna Fortune: My eldest says we're mean and no fun 

Celebrate Christmas by celebrating the fun in simple, everyday connections

Perhaps the next time your 11-year-old accuses you of being mean, reframe it for her. Picture: iStock 

I work full-time, and so does my husband. We just about make ends meet between the mortgage, childcare, and bills. It leaves us with little time and resources for Christmas. Our three children have never complained, but this year the eldest, who is 11, has started saying that we’re mean and no fun. It didn’t help that one of her friends went to Lapland a week ago. What can we do without spending a fortune?

I want to acknowledge all you’re doing to ensure your family’s needs are being met. At this time of year, it’s easy to be bombarded with social media photographs and reels of fabulous trips to Lapland or winter sun-breaks others are taking.