The presents were all brought early, the house was decorated, most of the cooking was done and there was only the last minute fresh shopping to buy, and there was still a week to go. !
That's where on reflection I went wrong. Never should you have time to relax before an important event. The stress levels need to be at maximum until at least the day before, otherwise disaster strikes, normally in the form of illness. As soon as you relax those germs can take hold and you are struck down.
On Sunday 18th December Les took to his bed, I managed to last another day. We stayed there through Christmas and New Year. Flu followed by bronchitis! Christmas was cancelled and we felt like s.....! However our darling daughter came with the children and cooked the lunch on Christmas day and looked after us. The grandchildren enjoyed themselves and Father Christmas still came. It was always going to be a difficult Christmas anyway as it would be the first one without my lovely mum, who we lost last year.
It's now the 19th January and we have started welcoming B & B guests again. Les and I are fighting fit again, I have a cupboard full of goodies that didn't get eaten, booze that didn't get drunk and crackers that didn't get pulled. But even though it wasn't the Christmas we were planning I don't mind. Oh don't get me wrong, for much of the time I was upset, but now I feel great. When you have had a period of illness you soon realise how lucky you are, feeling well is fantastic! There is nothing like waking up in the morning and looking forward to the day ahead, taking your first trip outside into the fresh air and seeing all the wonderful countryside around you. Life is good again. However I am never going to relax again, ever.!!
