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Over the weekend, we had a big family gathering as my sister Lauren, her husband, and their four children are relocating to Perth at the beginning of January to embark on a new chapter in church ministry. Adding to the bittersweet mix, my other sister Olivia and her husband won't be with us during Christmas. So, we attended Lauren's farewell and celebrated an early family Christmas.

This, of course, led to a whirlwind of activity because, let's face it, our family gatherings are always lively, crazy, but filled with laughter, joy, and love. Emotionally, the morning's farewell was intense; singing our goodbyes (Soul Factor Gospel Choir sang) and realising the imminent departure date was a poignant reminder of the changes ahead. When we reconvened in the afternoon and evening for dinner, presents, and playtime, the atmosphere was even more chaotic than usual. To make things more memorable, we decided to capture the madness with some family photos – after all, why not, when we know we won't be together as often in the coming year?

Now, family photos can be quite the adventure. My own child is fairly photogenic but isn't a fan of sitting still after a long day. My sister Lauren has four kids, and while the older ones are cooperative, her twin 3-year-old boys needed a bit of bribery to join in. We resorted to singing and dancing to keep my son Oscar from crying, and it only got crazier from there.

It reminded me of those classic Santa photos circulating this time of year when parents are desperately trying to make their children smile next to the jolly old man, or at least not have a meltdown. Have you ever experienced those moments when most kids are fine, but there's always that one child causing chaos or refusing to be in the photo?

Despite the chaos, I'm pretty sure we managed to capture some good photos. My husband, a videographer and photographer, does a commendable job, navigating the craziness. It helps that the kids know the photographer, which allows for some coaxing and creativity.

Reflecting on this, it made me appreciate how crazy and challenging this time of year can be, not only for our kids but also for ourselves as we strive to create memorable family moments. How is your family time during this season? Ours has always been a bit rowdy and opinionated, but we genuinely enjoy playing games, chatting, and sharing meals. Plus, we perform together as a family in Soul Factor and as the Raymond Sisters, making it harder to lose a sister, even if temporarily.

As the year winds down, with our singing commitments completed, I'm looking forward to a slower pace as work finishes. However, the dynamics of our family are changing as we bid farewell to someone and embrace the uncertainty of the coming year. Hopefully, we'll cherish these final moments, savouring time with each other and the kids, whatever else we may be doing.

How are you feeling at the end of this year? What does your family time look like? Do you find yourselves overwhelmed and ready to collapse on Boxing Day, or do you plan and prioritise your activities, both with close and extended family?

Wishing you a special Christmas with your loved ones. I've enjoyed starting this blog and discussing various topics. I look forward to continuing this journey into the new year, celebrating one year as a mum. If you'd like to stay connected and hear more, please subscribe to the blog. Let's build a little community and navigate this crazy life together. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!