Merry MUMISH

And a happy New Year

Just a quick one from me this week as I know everyone's busy ploughing through the to-do list.

If you're travelling somewhere with a kid/kids over the next couple of days, good luck. Remember you can have a glass of wine when you get there. (If you’re pregnant over Christmas, stock up on Botivo -imo the only non-alcoholic alternative that’s worth bothering with - and make yourself a spritz with soda, ice and an orange slice.)

This time last year MUMISH only existed in the notes page on my phone, and now, almost ten months later, here we are. I've had so much fun writing this every week - it brings me so much joy. But more than that, it's also provided me a space of my own - outside of looking after kids, doing the washing, thinking about what to cook for tea, etc - to write and edit and feel like me. I feel very proud and grateful.

And so I wanted to say a really big thank you. Thank you for signing up, for reading, sharing, liking and sending me kind messages. I really can't tell you how touching and appreciated it all is. Here’s to more MUMISH in 2025.

Before I sign off for the year, some unsolicited advice about the next few days. I'm on my fourth Christmas as a mum and have found it both a lovely and stressful period. Having children around who believe (or will soon) in the magic is so sweet and gorgeous. My son is so, so, SO excited - it’s the best energy to be around.

But it’s a lot to organise and sort and make happen. I'm frazzled, I'm sure you are too. And there will be tantrums and tears and disappointments. There always is. But that's ok, because everyone else is going through it too. Don't believe the idyllic Instagram posts - no one is having a flawless time of it.

So my first thing is this: give yourself a break. If the presents are shitly wrapped, or no one’s wearing cute coordinated outfits, or screen-time is off the scale - fuck it. Let go. It really doesn't matter. My best Christmas memories as a kid are eating chocolate before breakfast and being allowed to watch cartoons. Lean in to that.

And my second is to prioritise yourself for a moment. It's so easy to not, because there's a zillion things to do. But give the kids to someone else so that you can wash your hair, put some sparkly eyeshadow on, find a nice pair of knickers, spritz some perfume and feel glamorous and fizzy. It's important. It’s your holiday too and you deserve it.

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One more thing…

A teensy edit of early sales picks if you fancy doing some drunk shopping later.

Merry Christmas to YOU. Anya Hindmarch’s hot water bottle is just the jolliest thing. (Now £88, was £175).

Classic grey joggy bots for January (now £39, was £55). Just add your favourite jumper, wool coat and trainers for chilly park mornings.

How to bring a touch of (cashmere) alpine chic to the nursery run (now £88, was £125).

Maybe it's because this time of year is so hectic, but the simplicity of these is really speaking to me. They’ll go with every wash of denim. (Now £72, was £120.)

That's all for now. Wishing you all full night sleeps, no sickness bugs and sunny park weather this Christmas - see you in the new year.

You're doing great, Frankie x