Christmas can be a time of mixed blessings, the pressure on us all to deliver that 'magical' time is so hard.
Why do we put ourselves under so much strain ? Am I alone in thinking it used to be so much simpler years ago ?
I remember the Christmas' spent as a child, never in our own home but always with my great aunt and uncle. They didn’t have any children and my dad was their only nephew so every year mum and dad would load up the hire car and off we would go. I was terrified that FC wouldn’t know where I was and that I wouldn’t get any gifts, so I would write my letter to him and post it up the chimney. We didn’t have our own car in those days so dad and I would catch the bus to Blackheath where the garage was to hire a car. Then when we returned home he and mum would sit me down with some colouring or a puzzle to keep me occupied whilst they loaded everything making sure my presents were well hidden ! On Christmas Eve we would set off and you can imagine how excited I was. Looking back it seems strange not to ever have been in our own home but in those days we did what was expected and didn’t question it.
How different it is now, I still don’t spend the festive season in our own home, we still load the car, which thankfully we own, and head to our daughters house. The car will be heavily laden with gifts for the grandchildren, wine, food etc etc. She organises the turkey from her local butcher, we bring the puddings ! Our grandchildren are of an age now to tell us what they would like to find under the tree, make up for the teen and gaming tech for the grandson. We head over on Christmas morning just in time for champagne and bacon sandwiches, then the parcels are opened whilst the turkey roasts filling the house with amazing aromas.
Sadly not everyone will have such a festive time, we remember our dear friend Pam who passed away far too soon earlier this year. I never got chance to meet her in the flesh but we had FaceTimed eachother on several occasions and her exuberance was so catching. How will her wonderful family cope this year, I wonder.
Our lovely Donna and her family ,will be without her beloved mum who passed away recently and she will no doubt be focussing on her memories of Christmas past too. Not all families are able to get together and for those of you in France I am certain there will be phone calls and video calls to friends and family scattered around the world.
So wherever you are and who ever you are with this Christmas cherish every moment, make special memories but above all remember to eat your body weight in turkey, mince pies and Christmas cake .
Sending lots of love, Christmas wishes and hugs to you all,
See you in 2025
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