THE GREATEST LITTLE GIFTS

What better way to celebrate the big day than with a baby? Three women share the story of their arrivals

- KATE GRAHAM

‘She was born by our twinkling tree’

Katy George, 33, lives in Luton with husband Russell, 44, and their daughters Maria, three, and Sigourney, seven months. 

Becoming a mum would be magical at any time. But to bring my daughter into the world on 25 December, and beside our very own twinkling tree, felt like a Christmas miracle.

Maria wasn’t supposed to be a Christmas Day delivery. We were hoping she’d arrive before her 21 December due date so she could play Jesus in my sister’s school Nativity. But it wasn’t to be. I didn’t mind – Christmas has always been my favourite time of the year so as her due date came and went, I happily decorated the house.

When I felt the first cramp at 9pm on Christmas Eve, I didn’t panic. I was so sure she’d be a Boxing Day arrival that I carried on getting ready to go to midnight Mass. But by 11pm, it was clear I’d be making far too much noise to be in church. We’d planned a home birth, and at 1am called the hospital to send the midwives. When two lovely women arrived, I gave them a box of Heroes chocolates. It was Christmas Day after all. With one final push, Maria was born at 9.42am, weighing 7lb 3oz.

EVEN MORE MEANINGFUL

I held her in my arms and was overwhelmed with love. Despite being up all night, my husband Russell leapt into action and whipped up Christmas dinner. I cuddled our incredible daughter and couldn’t believe my luck.

Christmas has always been such a special time for me. But as we prepare for our first with Maria’s little sister Sigourney, who was born in February, it’s even more meaningful than ever.