I feel as if we're rushing towards Christmas, and that the next two months are simply annoying barriers in the way.
Christmas has become a focal point, and Mince Pies, Plum puddings, and glitzy decorations are already on sale in the shops. It feels as if people are trying to get it all over and done with as soon as possible, so that they can look forward to Easter.
The 'commercial' year, in the UK, is divided into 4 distinct parts. New year, Easter, Summer holidays, and Christmas. And we now have a month of Black Friday to come (whatever that is). We close our eyes whilst rushing from one to the other.
I, like so many others, get caught-up in all this nonsense, and I'm already planning what gifts I will buy, what we'll eat on the big day (THAT never changes), and even when we'll leave for France in 2026.
With no more 'goals to achieve', one year is now much like another. There are no highs or lows. No targets to aim for. Our only concern is to end each year 'alive and solvent'.
My Supermarket 'Loyalty Card' has only accumulated £12 since last Christmas (the bloody skinflints), so it won't pay for this year's Turkey. Anyway, I'm looking forward to it all. For me, it's still be best day of the year, but PLEASE, can we not mention it for another 6 weeks!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
I am more of a live in the moment person. Enjoy. For all anyone knows the next moment we'll drop dead. Don't dismiss it. It happens. Not so much a tragedy for oneself as the leftovers.
ReplyDeleteInspired by your post I looked at the calendar. Seven and a half weeks till Christmas. Which means, one step at a time, that I'll have to survive November, that most dreaded month of my life. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong - in November.
The joy of anything is anticipation. So, in the run up to Christmas, Cro, come December there is that joyous season of Advent. Light a candle. Have a mince pie.
Having said that, and myself being of a practical bend, there are things I do lay in early before festivities become a bun fight over Waitrose Christmas delivery slots. Goose, from Worcester, also has to be ordered well in advance - like now. £12.00 Tesco vouchers to make a dent into a turkey? You've got to be kidding me. Above goose, depending on weight, anywhere between £88.00 and £130.00. Don't weep for me, Argentina. What price a life?
Anyway, don't wish time away.
U
I do like the idea of have a favourite and feared month of the year. I think the month I dislike the most is February, with my favourite being either June or September (I can't choose).
DeleteI shall miss it all this year ... as usual!
ReplyDeleteBahamas? Mongolia? Wigan? Where will you be eating your Turkey?
DeleteMost members of of your loyal readership had not given Xmas 2025 a moment's thought until you mentioned it.
ReplyDeleteI doubt that very much. Even Lady M bought some Mince Pies yesterday. However, she skipped Christmas, and I was offered an Easter buttered Hot X Bun with my afternoon cup of Lapsang instead. Maybe I'll have a Mince Pie today.
DeleteTwo birthdays here in November, so Christmas can stay in December.
ReplyDeleteWe have a few in December (including Billy, the dog).
DeleteIt's odd but when growing up, Christmas never really started off until the 1st of December. But each year now it slowly kicks off by late September. I wonder if many are just too exhausted by the time it finally arrives.
ReplyDeleteOh Cro, I mentioned your once legendary Flat mate Syd in today's post.
I don't really remember Christmas starting more than a week before. It was certainly nothing like now. Although, I suppose my mother was planning well in advance.
DeleteI shall pop over to your page!
Am I alone in thinking that was a slight over-reaction? It was through Syd that I also met Alan Ginsburg (who stayed over-night). Imagine that!!!
DeleteOf course it was a welcome over reaction. But at least it's better than where the reactors just stare into camera with no emotion.
DeletePhew, of course, Ginsburg. A legend from the Beat Generation.
Are those PAPER napkins I spy!
ReplyDeleteYes, but they had Gold Leaf underneath.
DeleteEven tackier
DeleteXmas is still a long way off. But this means we/I can do some necessary prep without stress. I'm making 2 Christmas cakes this weekend. I'll also make mince pie filling which is not available here in a jar.
ReplyDeleteChristmas crackers have been found and ordered. Also very difficult to find here. SS Santa has been organised and I've got one present to buy in the next 2 months.
There's no Halloween, Thanksgiving ING, or Guy Fawkes and very few name days and birthdays till December.
Hopefully I can forget about Xmas for a month now!
You're lucky, it's really started in earnest here. We'll be having Carol Singers before long
DeleteThe stores are stacking it high and early this year.
ReplyDeleteIt gets earlier and earlier. And now they're advertising 'Black Friday' for the next month. Crazy!
DeleteUS stores are selling Christmas decorations as though the big day is in a week. No shortage of holiday decor even with all the new tariffs.
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday dinner too. Having family and friends sitting at my table enjoying a festive meal is wonderful.
I agree, it's big, blousy, extravagant, and traditional. I love it.
DeleteIs that a dummy run for this year Cro?
ReplyDeleteI'm eating out on Christmas Day. No hassle - no shopping, no cooking and no washing up!
The some of the stores here have had Christmas paraphenalia since the beginning of September!
I really enjoy all the panic and chaos. I also enjoy the actual cooking. It's staying home for me!
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