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Alright, hands up – who doesn’t love the “spirit of Christmas”? Most of us do: the music, the wine, the food, and even the silly sweaters. But while the festivities are fun, there are a few things I’d like to get off my chest. I’m sure you can relate.
I have friends already buying Christmas sweaters. Really? I kindly reminded them that there’s still plenty of time and perhaps they should wait. And those cheap ones – they’re practically fire hazards! Go for something simple, like a cashmere sweater that can last until February. Aim for subtle elegance, not over-the-top festivity.
And let’s talk about the early decorations in stores. Last week, I saw Christmas displays popping up already – in September! I found myself wondering if I should start making a gingerbread house with the kids by mid-November. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well. My supposed “masterpiece” turned out to be a sticky disaster, and I realized I’d peaked too early.
My husband, on the other hand, asked if I’d booked our holiday grocery delivery slot. He says it might be “wise” to secure a good time. I’m already feeling the pressure, and he’s probably right. Those slots fill up fast – seems like it’s a mad dash every year.
This time, I’m hosting Christmas. I don’t mind, but cooking stresses me out. I’m not exactly a relaxed chef; more like a clumsy Keith Floyd than a poised Nigella. So expect burnt canapés – you’ll be happily surprised if they’re not. It’s a vicious cycle, really: a glass of wine to calm me as I prep the turkey, another once it’s in the oven, and then I lose track of cooking times entirely.
And don’t get me started on the calories! Everything is drenched in cheese, chocolate, or butter. Between the desserts, pies, cakes, and more, it’s a wonder we all survive until the Queen’s speech without gout. I worry we’ll be teetering toward diabetes by New Year.
Then there’s the hunt for gifts – especially those “must-have” toys. A few years ago, it was the Elsa doll from Frozen. It sold out everywhere. My daughter only wanted that doll, so I paid double to get it online. Christmas morning came, and I was thrilled to see her reaction. She hugged it, squealed, then tossed it aside for some chocolate coins half an hour later. Talk about an anti-climax.
Sometimes, I feel like one of the few still sending real Christmas cards. Just me and great aunt Sylvia. I do get a small sense of satisfaction remembering to post them, even to people I haven’t spoken to all year. Still, with social media now replacing traditional greetings, the card-sending tradition is dwindling. Should we even bother?
So if this is the “spirit of Christmas,” maybe that explains why we rely on actual spirits to get through it. Gin, whiskey, brandy – it’s all there. Gin-filled baubles are even a thing now, but I doubt they’d last long on my tree given the holiday stress.
And finally, as Christmas winds down, there’s that moment to relax, watch Call the Midwife, and pick through a tin of Quality Street. But just as you get comfy, your child yells, “Muuuuummmm, Father Christmas forgot the batteries for my remote control car!” Now, I really do feel like a Guilty Mother.
