“Sometimes in these complicated times; in the world, in the country, in our families, it can be hard to be positive.
“Christmas can be very stressful as you try to navigate all the complexity of who is going to be the designated driver or how to accommodate four extras for lunch or what to do when everyone has forgotten Aunty Brenda!
“I have two simple pieces of advice for you all. Firstly: in reality, nothing is ever really perfect. Other people’s ‘perfect’ Christmases are almost certainly NOT as perfect as they seem. They will edit out the roast potatoes dropped on the floor, all the clothes that were the wrong size/colour/team and how the dog threw up behind the sofa.
“Connected to this first thought is my second piece of advice: learn to manage your expectations and those of your family. A rough indication of what Santa might bring for everyone is crucial. Wriggle room on this helps when you find they’ve sold out or don’t have the right size. Manage expectations of what might or might not be in that stocking and you won’t regret it.
“The landscape of family life has changed dramatically since I was a child in the 1950s but we should not let perfection or a fear of change spoil what should be a joyous occasion. Have a relaxing smile-filled time Westbury and, as always, stride purposefully into the New Year”.
Mayor cllr Jane Russ
