My Christmas Message

I will keep this short and sweet because I know that most of you will have better things to do than read my blog on Christmas Day! However, as I sit here composing this message, during a break in between preparing the various salads for today’s meal, I find myself reflecting on the season in all its complexity.

Christmas is, as Fred says in A Christmas Carol, ‘a kind, forgiving, charitable time’ and I believe that to still be true. Whatever people believe or don’t believe, whether they celebrate Christmas or ignore it, whether they feel festive or not, the simple truth is that donations to charity are higher at Christmas than at any other time of the year. There seems to be an acknowledgement that, if we have the ability to donate, we should donate to people and animals who really need our help. Christmas is probably the only time I can believe that my fellow human beings have a kinder side, although I am aware that many do not share my rather negative view of human nature. Fred believed that this nature was always there, but that it was most indulged at Christmas time, and for a few days at least I can acknowledge that he is correct.

We do indulge ourselves at Christmas, often to excess, but I think that in many ways we need to, especially after a hard year, and let’s face it we’ve had a few recently! Some people, like me, find that being with family is all we need. Others like to escape the season and they head for sunnier or snowier climes. Some will treat Christmas as just another day, for reasons that are individual for each person. However, you perceive Christmas, and you know what a fan I am of it, it has to be acknowledged that the pressure to make the day perfect is far too overpowering. Whether that be choosing presents, preparing food or hosting others, the expectation is that it will be the best day of the year. I think the only thing that has changed for me over the years is that I have started to learn to settle for as good as it can be. As a result, I find Christmas a much more relaxed experience and it only took just over 50 years to realise it!

I am a massive fan of the marvellous Richard Osman, and he put into words what so many of us struggle to express at a time when happiness is expected from all of us, whatever our situation. At the end of the Christmas episode of Pointless Celebrities, he signed off with

Have a lovely Christmas. If Christmas is a hard time for you then have a peaceful one

Osman, 2023

I think all of us can agree with that wish, so whatever you are doing today may you find peace and contentment. So from my family to yours, may your day be the best it can be, and may your year ahead be easier than the one just gone.