Opinion: Christmas time is a busy one

Santa spreading some Christmas joy. Photo/File

By this time of year, I am usually well prepared for Christmas.

My tree has normally been up since December 1, my Christmas shopping is done throughout the year so the only thing I'm spending money at this time is food, the inside of my house traditionally looks like Christmas has thrown up all over my walls and doors and I'm probably normally planning on how I can sabotage family games so I win our Christmas family shield.

This year, however, is a different story.

We're exactly one week out from Christmas Day and I only just put my Christmas tree up this weekend gone, and I also just bought the first few gifts that will eventually go under the tree.

When I'll have them wrapped and ready, I can't be sure.

My house is a mess, with Christmas everything scattered around the lounge with the failed intentions of decorating every day.

I love Christmas so my lack of visible Christmas joy isn't due to a lack of excitement.

This year just seems to be so much more unsettling than others and I'm expecting a full-on week of regaining my Christmas spirit now that schools, sports and other regular commitments are coming to an end.

I'm setting myself a goal of having it all sorted by Thursday - food, decorations, presents, everything so there is sure to be a few late nights and plenty of coffee consumed over the next few days ... wish me luck.