Remember Christmas will be as good or as bad as YOU make it. You have the power to adjust your expectations to ensure it is as you wish.
A little tip if you feel your inner diva/demon raising it’s ungrateful head, think of those that really do have problems to deal with. Running out of stuffing, custard etc or dealing with an annoying distant relative for a day is not going to break you, smile sweetly, hand around the decadent chocolates and ponder on how fortunate you are to be able to moan about first world problems. If that fails, in a couple of days, send me an email to arrange a session where I will be more than happy to “discuss” your ingratitude.
For those of you doing as I am, spending a day of closing off to the world and relaxing, of course apart from the obligatory message frenzy, thumbs up to you for doing your own thing. I find it quite empowering. Not to mention the advantage of not having to constantly explain why I can’t eat or drink what you do and no I can’t have a little cheat as it’s Christmas… no nothing’s changed since I told you the last 10 times other than you’ve drank a lake full of booze, no I really can’t have that… darn digestive disease! I make no secret that I hate the commercial side of Christmas and the uncontrolled greed. To me Christmas is about those that are important to you and surely you don’t need a single day in the year, no matter what title you put to that day, to show that they are special, it’s an ongoing fest of appreciation.
Who’s with me on starting a breakaway tradition? Forget the hype, calm it all down, enjoy a pleasant and tasty, but not overly opulent meal with the people who are important to you, where each person cooks and brings a part of that meal to the table. If you must give presents it’s something you’ve made yourself; a cake, a picture, a scarf or indeed a plant you’ve grown. Spend time chatting and valuing the people around the table without the excess and drunkenness which leads to so many problems that could easily be avoided. You can all see the retailers and marketing teams sending out the hitmen as I type.
I’m going to turn off the phone now for a couple of days, even I need a break from time to time! I will be back Thursday, 28th.
Although I doubt my wicked imagination will be taking the opportunity to rest. I have lots of ideas whirring around my head as to how to have some fun with you in the new year. I will let you know what I’ve come up with once I’ve had the opportunity to put “pen to paper” or should that now be “fingertips to keyboard”?
Whatever way you spend your Christmas, may it be fabulous and everything you want it to be. If it isn’t, just remember it’s only a day!
Ms Birch x