We're fast approaching that magical time of year. Time for family and friends to gather around to celebrate the coming of Christ, by feasting and giving presents in recognition for the love he gives to us. Christmas is a time for reflection to celebrate all we have and to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Christmas is a time of carols and games, old movies and the Queens speech. Overall it's a time to enjoy, for everyone.
HUMBUG
Ok, I admit it not completely true. You could even say nowhere near the mark. Being of sound mind I really cannot believe in Christ for starters, without being too controversial ‘The Bible' best fiction ever accolade, but that's for future discussion not now. As for family and friends it has probably become the most stressful time in any household's calendar. Who to invite round, what food to lay on, how much booze to get in, will so-and-so do such-and-such like last year. Then there's the presents, will they like this, what should we get them, how much do we spend on that person, where is the money going to come from this year were still paying for last Christmas!.
People singing out of tune words to songs they don't know shaking the tin for collection when you've just spent all your money on the latest computer game for the youngest child. Games you blow the dust off to realise that half the pieces are missing still from that time you and your college friends thought it would be a laugh to see which piece would burn fastest on the open fire. Then there's the usual monotony of Christmas TV, films like the ‘Sound of Music' and ‘The Great Escape', reality Christmas specials, soap marathons ending in tears and pulled limp crackers as the actors and actresses ham it up as best as they can. The Queens speech a tradition of stiff upper lip resolve that unfortunately is not even worth the autocue she reads from. Overall the worst 24 hours most people will spend in the year, overeating, to much drink, forgetting not to keep that family secret, secret!, over indulgence of every kind. Hey but look on the bright side, Boxing Day means you can give all those cards a bit more of a thrashing as the sales start nice and early.
SCROOGE
You probably notice I missed out reflection, yep that time of year for being grateful for what you have and remembering those less fortunate. Come on missed it out, you haven't got time for that now, cleaning, cooking, shopping, wrapping, eating, drinking, worrying, panic and general exhaustion. Just be lucky that you're ok, sod everyone else, and let them look after themselves. This Christmas forget it all, it's all one big scam anyway. Get your box sets of ‘Lord of the Rings' and ‘Star Wars' ready, a crate of beer or box of plonk, some snacks and oven ready pizza's, switch off the phones, close the curtains, pack the kids off to their rooms with the latest computer game and a big bag of Haribo, put your feet up and self-indulge. It'll be the best Christmas ever.
