I invited Mum and my sister over for New Year’s, – my husband announced on the evening of December 30th. – Will you manage to get everything ready in time?

31December I called Mum and my sister over for New Years Eve, I told James that evening. Will you have time to get everything ready? he asked.

Its finally the longawaited weekend! I sighed with relief, dropping my boots on the hallway pouffe. Ten whole days off. I stretched, feeling the tension melt away, and smiled at the thought of a lazy tenday stretch.

Yes, brilliant! James nodded, propping the door frame with his hand. I was just talking to Sophie. She said they still havent decided where to celebrate, so theyll come to us.

Right, I said, furrowing my brows at him.

And Mum will be there, too. She never misses a family gathering, James added, noting the quick lift in my mood.

You realise New Years tomorrow, dont you? I snapped. Ive been pulling late shifts all week to hit my target, and now you tell me Ill spend the whole day juggling pans?

James shrugged. Whats there to cook? A couple of salads, a main, some cold cuts, maybe a few snacks

Kyle, youd better step back before a fryingpan hits you, I said seriously. If your relatives want to join, they should bring something to share. Give them a ring now and let them know. I remembered a New Year when I was the one running around with plates while the ladies lounged on the sofa sipping wine under the glow of the telly.

Why are you doing that? James asked, surprised by my sudden outburst.

How else should it be? I snapped, then fled to the bedroom to change into something more comfortable.

I was furious with James, especially since the weekend had only just begun. The only thing that soothed me was the fact that this month my earnings were oneandahalf times my usual pay. I sighed, went to the mirror, and slowly wiped my makeup off, mulling over tomorrows plan.

Ideally I wanted to sleep until at least twelve, then have a relaxed breakfast, tidy up, order groceries for delivery and whip up something simple for the celebration. I was exhausted from endless running around at work and craved a quiet, cosy festivity.

How can I make sure everything goes according to plan? I wondered, turning the options over in my head.

Trying not to notice James bustling about, I made my way to the kitchen, poured myself a hot tea with lemon and sat down to eat. Outside, light snowflakes drifted down, sparkling under the street lamps and giving the night a truly magical feel.

I stared out the window for a moment, forgetting my dilemma, then shook my head back to reality. A sudden, risky idea flashed through my mind.

The next morning unfolded exactly as Id hoped: I rolled out of bed at twelve, stretched lazily, and found James already awake, fussing in the kitchen a rare sight on the eve of a holiday. I threw on a soft dressing gown and padded over.

What are you up to? I asked, squinting at the bright light.

I thought Id treat my favourite with a festive breakfast, James said, smiling as he stirred something in a bowl.

Youre on fire, I laughed, noting a wisp of smoke rising from the pan.

When we finally sat down, I asked James how he intended to handle the guests, given nothing was bought and the house was still a mess.

I couldnt say no to Sophie, he admitted, eyes glued to his plate.

Right, I raised an eyebrow. Your sister is hard to refuse.

Did you have any suggestions? I saw you looking thoughtful yesterday. Honestly, I was impressed by how calm you stayedI thought youd have torn the flat apart.

First thing, call Sophie and ask if theyll bring any snacks or salads. There are four of them: two adults and two kids.

James nodded and, a little nervous, dialed his sisters number.

Sophie, hi. Emmas organising the table and I just want to confirm what youll bring so we dont end up with duplicates.

A burst of laughter came through the speaker. James, youre joking? When am I supposed to cook? Ive got two kids! We were hoping Emma would figure something out, as usual.

Theyre not babies, both schoolage, James replied.

A sudden clatter cracked the line. Oops, sorry, Ive just broken something again. Thats all, Ill see you later! Sophie hung up.

James returned, looking puzzled.

They arent bringing anything, are they? I asked, hopeful.

No and Mum as well. Both said they just want to relax and enjoy the evening, not cook. James summed up briefly.

Got it. I thought so, I said, biting my lip. I want to spend New Years at my parents place. They invited us on Thursday, but Id rather stay home and I didnt tell you. Will you come with me? We dont have much time to think.

So well end up arguing with the family, James said, confused.

Or youll argue with your wife, I teased.

Of course I pick you, he replied, raising his hands in peace.

I set about tidying the flat so we could return to a clean home after the holidays. James headed out with the shopping list Id drawn up. The mall was awash with festive décor: twinkling lights, dressedup Christmas trees and Father Christmas figures everywhere.

He walked past a glittering display and exclaimed, Exactly! A tree! How could I forget?

Without hesitation he abandoned his errands and made a beeline for the Christmastree market. He chose a modest, charming fir whose branches brushed his cheek as he carried it home on his shoulder.

When James opened the front door, I turned and gasped. A tree? my face lit up.

Will you dress it? I havent bought anything from the list yet. I just wanted to surprise you.

Youve always been against a real tree, havent you?

I dont know this year I felt like a change.

The atmosphere turned properly festive. I pulled a box of ornaments from the top shelf and began hanging baubles and tinsel, each new decoration making the room feel more magical.

By the time I finished, James was back, and we had to speed up the rest of the preparations.

Did you get everything? I asked, eyeing the bags piled high with groceries and treats.

Almost. The fish wasnt fresh, so well pop into another shop on the way, he said, and I felt warmth spread through me.

Great, I replied, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm. Id feared hed reject my idea and wed spend the whole evening entertaining relatives.

Soon we were loading the car with food and presents. It was only seven in the evening, and Jamess relatives were due at ten. The drive to my parents house took about an hour, so we left early to be safe.

Standing by the open boot, bags spilling over, I smoothed my hair and looked at James. Hope we havent forgotten anything?

All there, except dessert. We can grab something on the way, he answered.

We set off.

My parents live in a tidy cottage in the countryside. They built it ten years ago when they sold their flat and moved out of the city. Even in their later years they remain sprightly and full of life. The house was festooned with fairy lights, giving it a cheerful holiday feel.

We never took the lights down after last year, my father, Alan, laughed when I noticed them.

Really? I didnt see them when we visited in the summer, I replied with a smile.

We began unloading, and I handed a sack to my dad. Weve brought a bit of everything. Not sure what youll be making, but hopefully itll help.

Alright, Ill get everything inside, he said, then turned to James. While you two are cooking, Ill fire up the sauna I built out back.

My mother, Margaret, and I switched on a classic Christmas film, losing ourselves in the bustle of preparation. When the clock struck nine, Jamess phone buzzed incessantly.

James, answer! Were at the door, Sasha shouted.

Were not home, James replied, nervous.

Where are you? When will you be back? his sister demanded.

We went to the countryside. Everything got a bit chaotic. We wont be back until the day after tomorrow, he tried to explain.

Off to the countryside? What about New Years? Sasha cried.

Well celebrate here, in the cottage, James said.

Yes? she replied, sounding skeptical. What about us?

Theres still time for you to come back and have a proper family celebration, James responded calmly.

So you expect me to look after the kids all night? Alexandra asked, audaciously.

I I dont know. If I have to, I will, James muttered, feeling the sting of disappointment.

You really got me there, James. Maybe the keys are hidden under the mat? she suggested, halfjoking.

James counted to ten in his head, then saw his mothers number flash on the screen.

Yes, weve gone to the cottage, he said before she could answer. Well be celebrating New Years out there. No keys left for you.

What? You cant do this to us! We were counting on you! his mother, Althea, exploded.

I get it, but its how it is. Honestly, Im tired of every holiday being cramped in our little flat. Why dont you or Sasha ever invite us over? Coming to a readymade party is always welcome, even though you both have spacious threebedroom apartments! he vented.

My son, did I raise you to be treated like this? Althea said bitterly.

Fair? James asked, then fell silent.

Fine, I understand, Althea said softly. We wont bother you again. She hung up, and James exhaled heavily. The conversation had been draining. He wasnt the sort to ruin family ties over small things, but resentment had built up over years.

Everything alright? I asked, resting my head on his shoulder.

Mom called, he answered shortly.

I see, I sighed. Do you think we did the right thing?

Absolutely, James replied, turning to me. Theyre waiting for us, getting ready for our arrival. And what about me? I feel used, nothing more. Ive been patient far too long.

I pulled him close, trying to give him comfort.

Come on, James tried to lighten the mood. Lets finish getting ready for the celebration.

This New Year turned out to be unforgettable. We stayed at my parents for a couple of days, enjoying quiet evenings by the fire, sledding down the hill like children, and having long conversations. It was the most heartfelt New Year Id had in ages, far from the rush and stress of the city.

Soon enough well have to slip back into our regular routine, but the memory of that warm, simple holiday with family will stay with me forever.