Happy Christmas x

23 December

Hi Everyone,

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

It seems to have crept up so quickly this year – probably because I’ve been busy and my mind has been elsewhere.

Ollie is 20 months old now so he doesn’t understand Santa yet. When we brought him to meet him he enjoyed the grotto and looking at everything but he wasn’t overly pushed on the big man himself! Who can blame him – pretty scary sight really!! I’m sure this time next year will be a whole different story – that will be magic, kids just make Christmas.

This year will be spent with my family and some of Brian’s too, which will be nice. No matter what we did this year it was going to be tough- I think the run up to this Christmas and the feeling of dread is probably worse than the day itself. It’s only been 10 weeks since we lost our Mum – it still feels weird even writing those words.

To me my Mum was Christmas – her house like Santa’s grotto, the smell of her Christmas candles, her homemade pate and chutney that she would make for everybody she knew, her gifts that were always the most meaning of all.

For me it’s getting harder as the weeks go on. It hits me like a train sometimes – just out of the blue.

I’ve been keeping busy with pippa.ie and other work engagements, as that’s what I’m happiest doing.

People continue to be so nice and thoughtful, especially people that have been in the same situation as me, their messages are so comforting and appreciated.

Yesterday I was in Crumlin Children’s hospital on the annual ward walk. I met some amazing kids and parents. Some in for minor things, some that aren’t so lucky and that will spend their Christmas in hospital, and others that are seriously ill. The positive attitudes of some of those Mums & Dads I met was truly inspiring – it must be the hardest thing in the world to have a very sick child, but still they were smiling and happy to see us.

I left thinking how lucky I was to have a healthy baby – I don’t take that for granted for a second.

As sad as I am to not have my Mum with me I have so much to be thankful for. I’m looking forward to making new traditions with my little family while remembering all the wonderful ones I had growing up.

I wanted to wish you all a very Happy and peaceful Christmas.

I’m thinking of those that are missing their loved ones too, sending you lots of love and strength.

We’re going to take a little Christmas holiday from pippa.ie for a week. We’ll be back before you know it, recharged and ready to take 2015 by the horns!!