Katie Holland: I admit it, I'm a sucker for Christmas

AFTER last week's Grinch-like effort (for which I have been suitably chastised - "tongue in cheek" is clearly not my strength), this week I am full of the joy and goodwill that is Christmas.

And, no, that isn't sarcasm. I genuinely love Christmas.

My Christmas tree (smaller than I'd like, but perfectly formed) is up, blinking lights and all.

My stocking is hanging off the window sill, which is a poor substitute for a no-longer-there fireplace, but I'm sure Santa appreciates more than anyone my compliance with Rotorua's air pollution regulations.

My Twitter Secret Santa is sent and awaiting delivery - a Home Sweet Home sign for a woman who's currently househunting in Auckland.

Perhaps I should have sent her a Rotorua Property Guide instead?

And hopefully by the time you read this, my Christmas shopping will have been started and finished. As Tui says, yeah right.

All that's missing so far is the annual viewing of Love Actually, surely the best Christmas movie ever, and then my pre-Christmas build-up will be complete. Because Christmas is all about traditions.

This year, we've already had the family group email from my 30-year-old cousin concerned he's going to be ditched from the Christmas Fairy role - which as the youngest cousin he's held ever since he could toddle.

There's a new generation waiting to take up that prestigious honour you see, but just how many presents the 2-year-old will successfully hand out is doubtful. Perhaps we'll give our overgrown hairy fairy one more year.

I can bet my last glass of Lindauer there'll be Roses choccies from Grandma and a toothbrush from Santa, while one aunty will never again dare to buy me clothes after the infamous "year of the three sizes too big pyjamas".

Of course Christmas doesn't come without complications.

In our family, there's the ongoing battle between the traditionalists who insist on a huge hot roast dinner in the middle of the day and the failed revolutionaries who every year push, unsuccessfully, for a barbecue.

And let's not get started on whether we should all still buy presents.

On a more serious note, this Christmas I will take the time to stop and realise how lucky I am.

We've all had years where there have been relationship breakdowns, the death of loved ones or struggles with money or health - sometimes they all seem to hit at once.

If that's you this year, I hope your day brings you some kind of happiness and, if that's not possible, that you make it through with faith that 2015 may be kinder.

I also spare a thought for those who will be working through the festive season, keeping the rest of us safe and happy. It's a tough job all right, but thank goodness you're there to do it.

So from this sometime-Grinch, I wish you and yours a fabulous Christmas, whether you're enjoying old traditions or making new ones.