It’s that time of the year again. People smile, decorations spring up around you like the world’s have a rash, and money just seems to stream out of your bank account. Ahhh, Christmas.
It’s the season of gift giving. Go out and splash on expensive-looking Primark complements to give everyone in your family while constantly going on about that new phone, iPod or PSP that you really cannot live without.
It’s the season of celebrating. Down that Turkey! There’s always space for dessert. Knock a few shots to help the food find its way down, and start again. New year is the time to make a resolution about all the extra weight, to decide to go vegetarian and to quit drinking. That’s far in the future now. Help yourself to another leg!
How did it ever get to this? I remember a quiet prayer before dinner, a sensible meal as a sign of respect to those who cannot go the whole distance, a few useful presents to take you through the worst of the winter and the spirit of the season warming you from the inside. The only thing that warms you from the inside nowadays comes in a 75cl bottle.
Times change, no point in nostalgia. For me, Christmas still marks a time to be spent with the family, an opportunity to laugh infectiously as the announcer welcomes the new year on TV and a breathing space to spare a thought to the year just passed with an eye on trying to improve during the one that comes after it.
Merry Christmas!!
