Last year, we didn’t have any believers in my house. My little people were too young to grasp the whole concept of Santa. Of course there was excitement over the decorations and presents, but when we tried to talk about Santa, their attention had already moved to tugging baubles from the tree. For years my Christmas spirit lay dormant, lazy and unashamedly scrooge-like. Although I certainly enjoyed myself, Christmas was an adult affair; about indulgence, trying to get excited about a new take on cooking the vegetables and a break from the desk job.

The feelings behind my long-forgotten childhood mantra returned when my little boy whispered

‘I’m so excited about Christmas’ in an earnest little voice.

He said it spontaneously as I hurriedly fastened him into his car seat and on our way to do some Christmas shopping. Anticipating my response and eyes wide with wonder, he peered up…