There’s something about Christmas that inspires big ideas, isn’t there?

While most people are wrapping gifts, baking festive treats, or sneaking Quality Street before breakfast, my wife and I decided it was the perfect time to undertake a small logistical miracle: reconfiguring four kids’ bedrooms, dismantling and reconstructing four beds (one of them twice), and redecorating two and a half out of three of the rooms.

All this just days before Christmas—because apparently, we like to live dangerously.

The Great Bedroom Shake-Up

The kids had been at each other’s throats for months. With sibling spats escalating over everything from who’d stolen the last biscuit to who breathed too loudly, the bedroom shuffle felt less like a want and more like a necessity.

Somehow, amidst the upheaval, we pulled it off.

The kids absolutely love their new spaces, and even more miraculously, it’s stopped the eldest two from fighting. If there’s such a thing as a Christmas miracle, that might just be it.

Each room is now a reflection of their wonderfully eclectic personalities. One is a sparkle-filled haven dedicated to Glitter Force; with a chaotic mix of Pokémon memorabilia and plushies.

The other a modern-suave take on minimalist cottage-core.

Then there’s the most unique of the lot: a tribute to WW2 planes, inspired by our daughter who dreams of flying with the RAF.

The little three have finally managed to get their room together, turning it into a proper nursery. If ever there was a time I was proud of their creativity (and our patience), it’s now.

The Fractured Toe Incident

Of course, no grand household project is complete without an injury or two, and my wife was the unfortunate casualty this time.

While navigating the minefield of boxes, screws, and loose furniture, she managed to fracture her toe. The culprit? A poorly timed, back-handed comment from our eldest who thought sarcastic commentary was a valid substitute for helping.

Teenagers, eh? They’ve got a knack for making an already challenging few days feel like we’re tackling Tough Mudder again.

I insisted my wife rest—toe fractures aren’t exactly something you can walk off (Christmas dad jokes anyone?) But in true warrior fashion, she pushed on, hobbling around the house and somehow managing to outwork all of us.

Did I mention she’s an absolute superhero? Because she is. Watching her soldier on despite the injury reminded me that she’s the glue that holds our home together, even when she’s limping.

Sleep Is for the Determined (or January)

Running on three hours of sleep a night has its upsides.

You power through, tackling everything on sheer determination and momentum, knowing full well you’ll forget just how hard you worked by tomorrow.

Well, mentally at least. Our bodies, unfortunately, are less forgiving. These days, it’s not just the memories that linger—it’s the back pain and creaky knees that refuse to let you forget.

Despite the sleep deprivation, there’s something oddly satisfying about pushing through and getting it done. There’s also a certain camaraderie that develops when you and your partner are equally exhausted yet determined to see it through.

Between the fractured toe, the kids alternating between fighting and offering questionable decorating advice, being angelic and helpful, then going into full meltdown, and a house that looked like a furniture showroom exploded, we somehow kept going.

The Dream of Glass Balustrades

Amid all this, we thought, “Why not tackle the stairs next?” Glass balustrades have always been a dream of mine.

Maybe it’s my minimalist tendencies finally giving way to the realisation that bold is better. There’s just something about glass balustrades that scream “adulting done right”—a sleek, modern look that’s both stylish and practical (assuming the kids don’t use them as target practice for Nerf darts).

We even started prepping. Measurements were taken, angles debated, and we briefly felt like we might pull it off.

But as the last bed frame was tightened and the paint dried, it became abundantly clear we were out of time and energy. Glass balustrades would have to wait. January, perhaps, when the busyness subsides and we’re no longer running on fumes.

The Little Wins That Matter

Even without the balustrades, I’m calling this week a win. The kids are thrilled with their new rooms, and for now, the house feels a bit more harmonious (touch wood).

Sure, the staircase isn’t quite the sleek centrepiece I’d wanted, but that’s a project for another day. For now, I’ll take the victories where I can get them.

In moments like these, it’s easy to get caught up in what didn’t happen—the projects left unfinished, the ideals of the perfect home not yet realised.

But then you step back and see what you did achieve: four kids who love their new spaces, a house that feels a little more like home, and the knowledge that you can tackle anything together, even on minimal sleep (especially after the bodge job incident).

Looking Ahead

Next year, those glass balustrades are happening—mark my words. But for now, I’ll pour myself a well-deserved peppermint tea (and a Jam & Toast Tea for the wife) and soak in the rare moment of peace in our very full house.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not the glass railings or the perfectly decorated rooms that make a home. It’s the people in it, the shared laughter (even if it’s sometimes sarcastic), and the memories you build together.

So here’s to the new year—may it bring fewer fractured toes, more sleep, and maybe, just maybe, those elusive glass balustrades.