The pressure of Christmas


 IT'S that time of year again, the C word! Of course it's not 'that' offensive word, but to some, the pressure of Christmas is too much to deal with.

I remember growing up in the 70's and 80's and being excited about the festive season, I loved making paper chains, making gifts for my family, yes, they were awful handmade gifts but it was the thought eh? The family gathered at various times to swap gifts, enjoy the odd treat and wish each other well.

Now, to some extent, this still happens, and to most, FAMILY is the important part of the festive season. But what I have seen over the years is a horrible commercial push for people to spend money they don't have, some even get year long loans or go into debt because of this commercial pressure. That is not in the spirit of Christmas.

When I am asked what I want for Christmas, I don't know how to answer because I am lucky to not need anything (thank you for the cooker Mummy!) I have all I need, I don't need 'stuff' but I do need time, adventure, freedom to explore, and that is mostly priceless when you take off diesel! So this year I said to my husband that I don't want anything, except a promise that we can have one adventure a month in the coming year, no matter how small, even a day trip out, but that is what I really want.

It's not about how much you spend on someone, unless that person is a complete materialistic narcissist, they won't care what you give them, they should be just glad for your company.

I think we should bring back the old values at Christmas, treats, not over-eating, that has changed too. What was some extra fruit, nuts and the odd homemade mince pie and the obligatory box of Roses just for Christmas has been a diabetes-fest! Over-eating, high sugar and alcohol consumption, for what reason?

I suppose you can say I am a bit 'bah-humbug' about Christmas and have been for a while, many years in fact, but it's not the season that upsets me, it's human-kind that are consistently letting themselves down, with their selfish, vain, materialistic traits on full show during December. If you can this year, try and be a bit more kind, make it about people and experiences, not things and food. Use the time off to adventure, exercise outside, meet family and friends, share laughter, not expensive gifts.

That's it, Scrooge over and out!

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