It's Earlier 'Tis Getting: The Christmas Book of Irish Mammies av Colm O'Regan

<p>Christmas – a time for peace, joy and Mammies.<br><br> While others are focusing on Santa/Santy, the school nativity play, the office party and its wild cousin the Twelve Pubs, panicked present shopping and the delicate diplomacy of in-law visiting, the Irish Mammy is mobilized in her war-room – ready for the campaign. Electric blankets have been set to maximum power; cards have been despatched; the turkey has been ordered; the decorations have been retrieved from the Place Where The Decorations Go and the fifth Big Shop (to get breadcrumbs) has been completed.<br><br> There are homecomings from near and far, new arrivals, drama, bustle, tears and laughter, and Mammy at the heart of it all, directing operations.<br><br> There’s bound to be something she’s forgotten – but luckily, just like a certain someone, she’s made a list.</p>