By Laura-kim

My ex and I have been split for 3 Christmases. This was the first one the children spent with him.

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I simply love the magic and spirit of Christmas. To me it is not about the gifts but about love and hope and family. It is a special time for me.

So it was very hard for me when their father confirmed he would be taking them. I knew it would happen. It is only fair. I mean he is their father, he should also be with them around Christmas. I knew my feelings were selfish.

So we packed their bags and sent them off. It was hard.

My boyfriend was also away in Cape Town over Christmas so I decided at the last minute that there was no way I could spend Christmas day without my children and the man I love. I managed to change my flights at the last minute and was in Cape Town for Christmas Eve!

Christmas Day was harder than I thought it would be. It was an exceptionally happy morning. My boyfriend’s nieces and nephews – all teenagers, had so much fun opening their gifts that the house was fulled with excitement and laughter and love. It was very special but I missed my children terrible.

I missed watching them rip open gifts. I missed listening to them laugh and argue and moan.