CHRISTMAS TIME

AS VIEWED BY A GRUMPY OLD(ISH) MAN

Like most family men I enjoy Christmas with my family.  I love the look of enjoyment as pressies are open, the excitement of what's in the next parcel etc. Who couldn't love that?

What really turns me into Mr Grumpy is that I'm supposed to remain in the Christmas spirit for anything up to 12 weeks, depending where you shop.

My birthday falls in October and as a child I used to look forward to this time knowing that in a few week the shops would be stuffed with Christmas goodies.  Nowadays Christmas goodies, decorations, lights turning-on ceremonies, Santa's grottos and Christmas TV adverts start to appear just before my birthday.

During late Autumn I want to see the trees turning those beautiful shades of gold and brown, see the birds beginning to fly south for winter.  Instead I am bombarded with images of snow-covered scenes on TV, the promise of buy now pay next year deals, delivery of newly purchased items before Christmas if bought “today”.

And yes I am as guilty as the next person of buying those foodstuffs you never think of for eleven and a half months of the year.  Yes you've got it!! Hazelnuts, Brazil Nuts, Chestnuts (presumably to roast on an open fire you don't possess), figs, dates, cranberry sauce, gluhwein etc, etc, etc. 

Please please please let me enjoy Christmas in December and let the other eleven months do their thing. I love Christmas but I'm nearly certain that even a lovely old(ish) man like me cannot be expected to offer peace and goodwill to all men for longer than a month.

I wish everyone a truly Merry Christmas and I hope all your wishes come true.  Remember those neighbours who be alone (just pop in and say hi for 5 minutes) and keep safe.  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

ANDY MILLS
Parnwell Community Reporter

P.S.  Look out for summer holiday and Easter egg ads on Boxing Day!!