I know I may have shouted a little too often but I did have good reason at the time so hopefully you will be able to overlook that.

I have made hundreds of tasty meals, cleaned up thousands of spilt drinks, wiped dozens of noses, nursed two poorly boys through the Chicken Pox and have even suffered the humiliation and downright unpleasantness of being thrown up on just before touching down at Dublin airport after our holiday in France.

Surely, for that alone, I deserve a little something extra in my stocking.

I have fixed endless trucks and tractors and even taken out the sewing kit to repair much-loved teddies whose arms or heads were in danger of falling off.

I have even touched a 12 foot long python and calmly removed three massive spiders from the house, all in the name of motherhood.

So, for Christmas this year I am putting a few extra requests on my list.

I'm sure you will do your absolute best to have these waiting for me on Christmas morning.

Firstly, I'd really like a new pair of hands. Mine are looking very much like they belong to a 90-year old gardener, so a replacement pair of youthful looking hands with tidy cuticles would be great.

Some anti-shouting pills or something to prevent me from slamming things in a mum-rage would be appreciated – not just by me but by everyone who lives in this house, and the house next door come to think of it.

If possible, a new car would be lovely. Preferably one which doesn't let in the rain and soak the boy's car seats, or one which actually gets warm at some stage on the journey from Kildare to Dublin. Either would be nice. Actually, a car just like daddy's extra big, comfy one would be perfect.

Would it be possible to have some self-dying hair, self-manicuring nails and self-applying make-up as I never seem to have the time to do any of this myself.

Actually, talking of time, a couple of extra hours a day would be great.

In fact, make that four extra hours, but you must insist that I am only allowed to do things for myself in those extra hours.

A sense of style would also be lovely – I'm getting a bit bored of seeing myself in jeans and runners.

A self-cleaning floor and self-ironing clothes would be fantastic. In fact, if you can't manage the rest, just those two things would be fine.

I may be pushing my luck here, but if you could see your way to bringing me my very own Rachel Allen or Nigella Lawson to deal with all the children's meals that would be nice. Failing that, if you could fill my freezer with a year's supply of ready-to-serve, nutritious, organic meals that would be an acceptable substitute.

I hope that's not too many things to ask for. Oh, and actually some of those nice chocolates from the coffee shop in the village would go down a treat if you can squeeze them in.

Thanks very much. I have left out a mince pie which I made with the children and an extra large glass of whiskey. Please send my regards to Mrs Claus.

Thank you again, and have a very happy Christmas!