Well, that's over for another year. I can't make up my mind if I love or hate Christmas. It's one long rush from about the beginning of December (if you are lucky) then a couple of days and it's all finished. So there you are (or I am anyway) considerably lighter in the pocket, absolutely knackered, and with more than a few extra pounds to shift in the New Year. Why do I do it, every year, without question?
Part of it, of course, is that it is expected of one. I have children and, more importantly at this time of year, grandchildren, who expect something from Granny! What seems to get forgotten with amazing regularity, is that Christmas is essentially a Christian festival. It is not intended to be a massive exercise in excessive consumerism. As most of my side of the family have little or in fact any religious beliefs, this should excuse my participation, except to send greetings to my husband's family, who do have strong beliefs. But of course it is more than that now. It is an excuse to show the people you love that you do love them. To put some thought into gifts they would actually like, not to fall back on the "usual suspects". To make contact via carefully chosen cards with people you may not have contacted since last Christmas. "I do think of you. Let's make the effort to meet up this year." Of course you don't always follow up, but some of them you do. Friends are at times more important than family. Family can be taken for granted (though this is not to be recommended!) but friendship has to be worked on.
Christmas Day itself was quiet, just Paul and I for lunch, and a visit to mother in law in the afternoon. She has given us a scare recently, having spent about 3 weeks in hospital up to Christmas Eve with pneumonia and a cracked rib. She is still not well. I just hope this was not her last Christmas. That would be sad. Boxing Day was more lively, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with daughter and family. Well done Hayley for your performance on my brand new Wii Fit!
Now 2012 is here thought has to be given to the dreaded New Year's Resolutions! The Wii Fit will help - losing weight and getting fit is top of the list as usual - but more cerebral aspirations make their appearance. Top of this particular list is the pursuit of Latin. Not too much has been done over the holiday - but I am resolved to do a little EVERY day, not just when I 'have time'. The freebie lessons start again soon with the wonderful Clive. I WILL conquer it, I will, really! And I am going to play more golf this year. Last year was affected by the dreaded op (I'm avoiding the h word!) but I have no excuse this year.
There is a lot to look forward to in 2012. There is to be a wedding in the family - Paul's niece Nikki is to marry Phil, either in June or September. Good wishes to both of them. We will get to it, having missed her brother David's wedding to Deb due to Paul pranging the car on the way (damage to car, nothing to people thankfully!) I also have a school reunion in May. Given my advanced age this is amazing! St Hilda's School for Girls in Otterhampton, Bridgwater, Somerset closed in the 70's, but we still have biannual get togethers. A robust lot the old girls! Each year we 'do' something, sportsday, the Nativity Play (in a very hot June!) the school fete. This year we are going on a 'school picnic.' I hope it is as eventful as one or two I can remember!
Well, here's to another year.I wish you all health and happiness - in no particular order.
