Two more sleeps and the big day will be here.

I have always loved the tradition surrounding this time of year and I delight in hearing from families with whom I am friends about their traditions, as well as enjoying my own.

When my little ones were small the tradition was always new pyjamas on Christmas Eve, bath time, and then finally before the bed time story the ceremonial laying out of the array of goodies for Santa and his reindeers.

I don’t think we as a family are unremarkable in that our tradition of a carrot for Rudolph, a mince pie and a drink of some sort (usually my husband’s favourite tipple) for Santa was the usual plate that was prepared and left by the fireside.

The Christmas Eve ritual was then completed with the only story (in my opinion) that captures the magic of Christmas – The night before Christmas by Clement C. Moore & Eric Puybaret. The opening line “Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” still brings the magic of Christmas to me even now.

As my girls have grown the tradition is slightly different. They still have new pyjamas, though we are more likely to go out on Christmas Eve, share a meal together, part company for the evening and regroup on Christmas day.

As a parent these times pass so quickly, remember to capture them and enjoy looking back on the good times you have enjoyed as a family.

Wishing you and your children a happy, healthy and harmonious Christmas 2016.

See: www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk