I love the holidays. I'm like a little kid, though I prefer the giving now rather than the receiving. I'm one of those who'd gladly go shopping on Black Friday (I know, a real nutter, eh?). I love the crowds, love the music, love the festive cheer... so what REALLY sticks under my craw? TRAVEL!
I live overseas, so going home for Christmas is always a nightmare. First there's the tedious journey to Heathrow, followed by the inevitable, virtual strip-search and delays because of weather. Once you get through all that, you think you're home free... until, of course, you get on the plane. Then you get stuck in the departure queue, because all air traffic is backed up. The passengers are stressed because they've possibly been travelling for several hours (or even a day); kids are sleepy and often cranky. Then you land and it's the immigration samba! What an unbelievably stressful situation.
So it's wonderful that mum's cooking and dad's decorating always make that journey worthwhile...