THE PERFECT Christmas

Had Sarah lost sight of what made the festive celebrations truly special?

- Amanda Quinn

Excuse me… Oh, whoops! Sorry,’ said Sarah as she struggled through the crowds in the cafe trying to spot her sister.

She wasn’t sure whether she’d actually stepped on the scowling man’s foot, but it was hard to get anywhere without incident when your glasses were steamed up, and you were trying to carry 12 shopping bags and a winter coat.

So much for being organized and doing everything online. What, with the fiasco with the parcel depot and forgetting to click the ‘deliver in time for Christmas’ button, she was just where she didn’t want to be – battling last-minute shoppers, with festive songs jangling on an endless loop.

Why on earth had she agreed to meet Joanne when she still had so much to do? And where was she? Late again, no doubt.

Suddenly, she spotted familiar auburn curls at the front of the queue.

‘Hi there, sis!’ Joanne said. ‘Want a mince pie? Go on… it is Christmas!’

‘Just a skinny latte, thanks,’ said Sarah. ‘No time for anything else. I’ve got the cake to marzipan this afternoon and I still need to decide whether to go hot or cold with the turkey…’

‘I trust the mince pies will be homemade at yours on Christmas Day then?’ Joanne asked when they settled themselves at a spare table.