Ritual.

It's Alice's birthday. We have a ritual that the presents are arranged at the end of our bed the night before and in the morning, once me and Clare have a cup of splosh in our marching bands, the birthday person gets to don the daft hat and open them.
Alice said the other day that she prefers birthdays to christmas because you get the presents without all the stress of worrying abut what to get other people.

Talking about stress, I am amazed and horrified at the growing number of kids of people I know/friends, who are having counciling, suffer from panic attacks or have even attempted suicide. Something is seriously wrong with our education system and or society when this is almost becoming the norm. They're being driven too hard too fast and for what? To have a suitcase full of qualifications and find they're over qualified for the few jobs that are out there.

So we relish our silly little joyous rituals and I'm trying to nurture a sense of happiness in me and our chaotic little house. Well if I keep thinking it,it might happen. Eventually.