Christopher Hitchens was no fan of Christmas.
Me neither.
There was a moment around twenty years ago in Bristol’s Broadmead shopping centre when it struck me. Surrounded by the throng of shoppers, my ears assaulted with tacky jingles and attempting to buy tat that no one would want so that they could return the favour, when I realised that I hated the whole experience. The false bonhomie, the trading of tat, the dreadful music (although, to be fair, some religious music is moving), the garish decorations and the fake goodwill to all men – for we go back to killing them the day after. Indeed the whole cheap, gaudy, hypocritical, vomit-inducing experience.
I was asked recently if I would be attending a clients’ work party. When I said that I wasn’t, I was told that they would all be getting roaring drunk. That then is a very good reason not to attend… Don’t get me wrong, I can enjoy myself perfectly well. I don’t need to get drunk to do it and I abhor watching others getting pissed. So, no, I will be avoiding that one like the proverbial pox. I prefer small convivial gatherings in quiet surroundings. But that’s just me. And isn’t that the point? We are not all the same and we don’t all enjoy the same pleasures.
The solstice on the 21st is the moment I look forward to, as the days start to get lighter again. Which, of course, was what it was all about originally. I raise a glass to that moment, but the rest, no, not for me.
So, yeah, Bah Humbug.
I loved Christmas so much when I was a kid that I can’t bring myself to hate it now. For me there are bits that I like and bits that I don’t. I get on pretty well with people that I work with but I don’t particularly enjoy socialising with them. I haven’t been to the works Christmas bash in years, to be fair there is no pressure to attend if you don’t want to. I like getting presents but our family don’t go too mad by spending too much and also we ask around and make sure that everyone gets something that they like. Our family gatherings are very convivial as we all get on really well and we only drink in moderation if at all. As for the cheesy music, I don’t mind it but I can really sympathise with those who work in shops who must be driven to the edge of insanity by it. As with you, it’s all about the solstice for me, looking forward to longer days and getting out on my bike again.
I just avoid the big Shopping Malls on the weekend or Friday afternoons. The mainstream radio and TV remain off, ergo the tinkly happy clappy seasonal crap is but a minor inconvenience.
I’ve provisioned us for Roast pork with crackling and apple sauce for dinner on the 24th. Cold collation with pickles on December 25th so even the cook (me) gets the whole day off to chill out with a book and a bottle of single malt. Remember; Christmas does not have to be stressful.
A normal family Christmas doesn’t, no. But how many normal families are there left?
I’ve now read the linked article and have to say that I agree with much of it.
@Bill Sticker
I have the single malt ready and I have an extensive library so I shall be joining you I think.