Skimming through the threads and posts elsewhere on eg Good Morning and Relationships there is sadly much angst about the so-called Festive Season isn’t there?
Being lonely at Christmas is clearly a major source of sadness along with “absent friends” and family who are no longer or just not with us.
The emotional baggage of who goes to whom at Christmas,. And are we Queen Bee or granny in the corner?
Presents- who for, how much, kids never say thank you also feature. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
The perceived expense -I say “perceived” because we all know how to cut back but it is hard to resist the pressure to push the boat out
What to cook, when to start preparations (yes I know my sprouts should have been on since September) but freezing drawers full of sausage rolls and Christmas logs and of course feeding the cake with brandy - how much of a failure are we made to feel if we have not been slaving in the kitchen since October.
Christmas cards -not forgetting the hike in price of stamps and Christmas letters - do you? Don’t you?
Decorations- have you started? Real or artificial tree? When up? When down? (Who actually cares?)
What to wear? Do you risk getting hot goose fat on the lurex or is your choice a Christmas jumper? Will it still fit anyway by the end of the meal?
Don’t get me started on shopping and that tiresome person in the checkout queue in front of you who is clearly feeding the 5000 or stocking up for a siege.
Oh and what to serve? Turkey? Beef? Chicken? Guinea fowl? Pudding - the possibilities are endless.
And Boxing Day just as you thought you’d got the food sorted?
My point is just that it is at best a happy time with those we love, the magic in the little ones’ eyes and the warm feeling of giving to our nearest and dearest.
Sadly this is not the case for many others - the bereaved, anxious, lonely and those who may feel unloved.
Let’s not overthink it - it’s a day not one of life’s challenges or a performance where we will be judged like Masterchef.
Can we just go with the flow, relax and enjoy it?
