Are we allowed to grumble at Christmas? ‘Cos if so, I’d like to.
It’s not the preparations for Christmas that are difficult in themselves, but there’s just such a lot of it, isn’t there? And not only that, but there’s an awful lot of decision-making to do, which somewhat addles the brain. And then there’s guilt. Oh, gosh, did I write the card for so-and-so? ‘Cos we’ve had one from them. Oh, yes, I see I did write the card, but did I post it? No? Oh, crikey, it’s still in the pile to be hand-delivered. And when I am going to do that?
We are all trying to make the day perfect. We see the adverts of happy families, everyone laughing, with their rosy cheeks and eyes shining, looking lovingly at each other. Where is the image of the grumpy teenager, who flounces out of the room because her make-up isn’t just so? Or the crying child in the corner because they are overwhelmed with the festivities? Or the grizzly Grandma or Grandpa who can’t keep up with the conversation? It feels like we are not supposed to have any of those situations, doesn’t it? But we have them, because that’s family life.
So I’d like to grumble at the onslaught of ‘happiness’ thrown at us at Christmas. I’d like to grumble at the ‘shoulda, coulda, woulda‘ stuff that makes us feel less than adequate. I should have gone to the Carol Service on Sunday? Well, I’d have liked to have gone, but we were spending time with family for the day who were here from overseas, so didn’t go. And then a little devil sits on your shoulder and says…. ‘Aaah, but you didn’t make the time did you?’ Oh, go away, little devil!!!
I’d quite like to remember the reason we’re having this massive celebration in the first place (Winter Solstice, Paganism, Christianity – take your pick), and put away some of those commercial considerations, but I’m human and find myself influenced, every year, by our traditions – including buying lots of presents…….. so I’m grumbling, folks.
Ah, well, we’ll keep wading on towards Christmas and trying to stay cheerful through the preparations and I’m sure I’ll feel better soon. Maybe tomorrow?
And now I’ve got that off my chest, how’s everyone else?
Take care and God bless.
I’d agree with the basis of your grumble. It is a huge pressure we undertake each year, planning, thinking, re-thinking, to do lists run amuck. Cooking, shopping menu planning, catering for all tastes!!
Where in the ‘perfect Xmas bubble’ does that lot fit in. Happy clappy, cheery, chirpy adverts, not to mention the same Xmas songs banging out year after year.
So now who sounds grumpy, possibly even grumpier ?
I’m not, honestly. Strip it back to what this celebration is all about and it’s not about the crispiest roast potato or most succulent turkey !!
However, we will all partake in our own style and enjoy the festivities. No doubt do exactly the same next year.
I really do wish you all a Merry Christmas. 🎅
THanks Linda – glad I’m not singing in the wilderness. Hope your Christmas is all you hope for.