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My sons, Fred, 12, and Arthur, 8, were overwhelmed by the stacks of gifts under the tree, and my husband, Baz, was stuck building toys and searching for batteries, while I slaved over turkey and the trimmings. When we sat down to dinner, the children refused to eat most of it, then started arguing. We couldn't even go for a family walk because the weather was so miserable and, I hid myself outside for some peace, my thoughts turned to loved ones lost over the years. "I am not doing this again," I told my husband that evening. "Christmas is supposed to be fun."

Within days, I'd found a solution. Instead of our traditional Christmas at home or with our extended families, I'd booked a holiday park for the following year. We would pay for it by decreasing the numbers of gifts and when we explained to the children that Santa would only be able to deliver a stocking and one large present, they were so thrilled about the holiday to mind. It was the right decision because Christmas 2024 was the best one we could remember. And beforehand, all I had to do was packing the suitcase and buying a few necessities.

We spent Christmas Day at the pool for bowling, and dined at an Italian restaurant. The boys were so excited to eat their favorite food, pizza, for Christmas dinner!

It felt as festive as anything we could have created at home and everyone was happy. Best of all, we made lots of special memories that the boys still talk about today.

I am so glad we broke free from the tradition. It feels as if we have regained the spirit of Christmas by doing what works for us, and we've created our own new traditions instead. Quality family time is so much more precious than any gift that Santa could bring.

Our annual poetry competition celebrating the best of mental health writing is back. Seasoned professional or fresh newbie, wherever you are in your writing journey, you are personally invited to enter the The Happiful Poetry Prize 2026.

We are looking for poems to explore the topic of mental health and well-being in unique, engaging, and empowering ways. The competition is free to enter, and no prior experience is necessary; the only thing you need is a passion for writing!

The winner will receive £100, and four shortlisted poets will receive a £25 National Book Token. All five poems will be published in issue 108 of Happiful.

Please submit:

·One entry per person, of a poem no more than 25 lines long.

·Your poem's title.

·Your full name and address.

·A short biography, no more than 50 words long.

To enter, visit happiful.com/poetry-prize

The deadline for entries is midday on Friday 14 November 2025. All poets will be contacted with the results by the end of February, 2026. GOOD LUCK.