So this is Christmas (and what have you done?)

Tuesday, December 28, 2004 3:44 PM

Now there's two different sorts of families at Christmas. There are some who enjoy being with their nearest and dearest, love picking out presents for friends and relatives, can't wait to see what Santa has brought for them and watch the Queen's speech with deep interest to see if the Commonwealth has had a good year.

Then there are those who recoil at the sight of wrapping paper, begrudge every card they write, grumble endlessly about how the season starts earlier each year and "over-commercialisation" then feign sleep in their armchair rather than play charades. To those people I say

I love Christmas. I love the idea that there's a day when we have to be nice to one another because people should see how easy it is to smile and have a cheerful greeting on hand to perfect strangers. It should be a joyful time of year.

Sadly this year has been overshadowed by the tidal flood that has devastated huge amounts of the world (note to American readers: you may have seen this as a brief mention on your news, after the bit about the dad selling his kids' presents on eBay) but I suppose that just means we're going to have to dig a little deeper from the Christmas spirit this year.

http://www.oxfam.co.uk/what_you_can_do/give_to_oxfam/donate/asiaquake1204.htm

That aside, I've had a very good Christmas. Presents, catching up with people, games (EyeToy was a big hit. The sight of my mother pretending to box was something to see) and lots of food. Ah, it's all good. Just a pity it wasn't a White Christmas where I live. Oh well, always hope for next year.

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