30 things every mum wishes happened at Christmas

The festivities, the decorations, the holly and mistletoe, the mulled wine, the sherry before dinner, the whole conviviality and cheer make it the most looked forward to holidayl. Yet, for mums, all over the world where Christmas is celebrated, the day can be a stressful time. Their work starts weeks before Christmas and doesn’t end until it is over.

1. The in-law's car will break down and they won't make it for Christmas dinner

2. Everyone didn't have to weigh in with their opinion on how to cook the perfect turkey

3. The children entertain their grandparents in another room so they don't interfere with the cooking

4. Santa actually came down the chimney with a sack full of presents

5. The fridge, oven and all other major kitchen appliances will actually remain functional throughout the christmas holiday

6. The eldest daughter's boyfriend stays at home this year

7. Her family hire a professional cleaner to come in and clean up all the mess as soon as the guests leave

8. And while they're at it they hire a magical team of chefs to come in and do the cooking

9. There are no arguments and everyone gets along

10. The oven magically develops an automatic switch, to turn itself on and start cooking the turkey leaving her to lie in on Christmas morning

11. Nobody forgets anyone's present

12. Everyone is happy with their presents

13. Deciding which film to watch didn't have to turn into a huge debate

14. The children could actually make their advent calendars last until Christmas morning

15. Everyone wears the Christmas hat they pull out of the cracker

16. The turkey is cooked to perfection

17. Nobody forgets to buy any ingredients for dinner

18. Nobody tells her the food is great but she should have thought of...

19. Christmas Eve is a time for putting your feet up because all the food prep is completed by then

20. The family offered to do all the clearing up after dinner so she can sit down and relax

21. There was time for everyone to play games as a family before the children break away into their seperate rooms to enjoy their new gifts

22. For once, any broken appliances are fully fixed before Christmas day

23. There was a way to have instant hot water to keep up with Nanny's constant cuppa demands

24. There were actually good things to buy in the Boxing Day sales

25. The answer to every question wasnt "mum will do it"

26. Time doesn't just whistle by in a flash, since she has been working so hard in the weeks building up to this one day

27. It snows. Even just for an hour or so, so we can say it's a White Christmas

28. She doesn't have to go back to work until New Year

29. Nobody breaks a tooth on the lucky charms mixed into the Christmas pudding

30. Someone buys her a spa break to chill out after a long Christmas entertaining the family

Whether it is a full family Christmas with a table full of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews or a small quiet private celebration for mum, dad and the kids, mum will always be stressed on the day. These are just some of the tiny wishes that when they come true, will make mums everywhere smile all day.