After last year’s Christmas blog, I’ve been feeling pressured to come up with something along the same vein, however I’m not feeling it. It’s been a year of great upheaval, and without being maudlin, loss too. Not one person has wished me Happy Christmas whilst I’ve been out, and I suspect this harks back to my previous blog; people being afraid to cause offence. Not one house in my street has any decorations in their windows, nor on their house. In my previous street, there were a number of neighbours who went over the top, though it was cheery to look at. Here, not a single house thus far. From my bedroom window I can see a church spire, and that has a large star in lights, so that’s pretty at least, and looks very welcoming.

We have a little tree set up in the living room, and as usual, my son will be home. Even when he was living in student digs, he came home for Christmas. He lives at home again now, so that’s something, and I do love his company. I won’t see any other family over the holidays; it’s simply too far and the roads will be a nightmare.

Thursday, we did the final shop before the madness sets in. When I was younger, I used to catch a bus into Cardiff (capital city of Wales) on Christmas Eve, and just watch people scurrying around like headless chickens buying last minute ‘stuff.’ One year, this even included my then husband lol. I could rarely think of anything I’d like as a gift, and I haven’t changed much. My son is of the same mind, thankfully; nothing worse than feeling pressured to buy gifts, and hoping you get it right. This morning, I transferred him some money, and he can choose what to spend it on. This way, we’re both happy. Christmas dinner is in the freezer, and all I need to do is defrost and cook it. No worries lol.

My one sister was always ‘precious’ about having everything fresh, especially for Christmas, but this involves going shopping late and hoping they have what you want in stock. I’ve bought all mine early and frozen it, apart from spuds for roasties. Frozen veggies also means I can have a little of lots of variety, which I love. We don’t ‘do’ turkey, too dry for my taste so we have beef, no Christmas pud; too heavy, so we have Panettone, and this year, only the one box of 6 mince pies has been consumed. My son doesn’t want them again after seeing the fat content, and I have to watch my sugar intake. Bah humbug LMAO

The Ship’s Dog has already had his gift; he had a bath. The groomers did a great job on him, and he smells lovely though he was very tired afterwards and I think they forgot that he’s an old dog now. Whilst he was busy being bathed, I treated myself to a double espresso in a coffee shop; a rare treat for me and I did enjoy it. I then sat quietly, reading the paper, until he was ready. Nice.

I hope the season brings you everything you need, if not everything you want. And I wish all my friends, acquaintances, and anonymous visitors (what’s with that?) a Happy Christmas, or Happy Holidays, or a Bah Humbug – you choose ;) Seriously, have a great time, and be safe if travelling any distance.

You know, I’m feeling more in the spirit of it all already :)