What Happened to My Christmas Spirit?

      3 Comments on What Happened to My Christmas Spirit?

 

Sitting here in Bertie, waiting for my curry to finish cooking I’m wondering what happened to my Christmas Spirit.

Christmas is an odd time of year, but I love it. I don’t have a particular affinity for the day itself, it’s too soon over and done, but the whole season is magical.

I love the build up, the way that nights draw in and the lights slowly go up in homes and across towns. I relish the cold weather, forcing us to bundle up and wear chunky knitwear, thick socks and boots. I love the generally positive vibe, making people more optimistic, giving and thoughtful about others. I enjoy the entry to the party season, knowing that everyone is looking for an opportunity to turn their everyday into an event with sparkles and glitter.  

Then there is time. Time off work and time to do things. It’s an easy time (in my line of work anyway) to have a long break, with so many bank holidays one week’s allowance turns into two weeks of holiday. And it’s not a holiday where I go away to forget about it all, but a holiday where I focus on home and hearth. This is when my oven gets cleaned (an annual event – sorry Nan). This is when I have time to entertain friends and family. This is when I cook dishes that take hours to prepare. This is when I get to see the people I have not managed to cross paths with for the rest of the year.    

So what’s happened this year? We’re sitting here and thinking about our friends in Exmouth who are enjoying the annual Christmas meal and Secret Santa; we’re not there and can only vicariously enjoy the photos and comments. I’m trying to motivate myself to purchase presents online for niece and nephews that I wont see opened. I want to buy decorations for Bertie but cant bring myself to do it. I’m just not feeling Christmassy

I put it down it the following things:

  1. People. We’re too far away from the people that matter to us, the people we’re used to spending Christmas with. It doesn’t feel the same without friends and family.
  2. Weather. I’m swimming in the sea and walking and cycling and enjoying sunshine and finding it all very surreal. Where is the icy cold, the rain, wind and (ok it rarely happens, but there’s always the possibility) snow?
  3. Lack of preparation. I don’t know why, but I didn’t pack any Christmas decorations for Bertie. Christmas seemed so far away when we left and I think I might have been in denial.

So, I cannot sit here and complain about it (after this post anyway), I have decided that I will have to do something to invoke my Christmas spirit, I will conjure it up with the singing of carols and Christmas tunes. I will festoon Bertie with decorations. I will make plans for a Christmas dinner. I might even clean Bertie’s oven, just to get in the mood.  

Hopefully in a few days you will see some evidence that the Christmas spirit has finally be summoned to Bertie. 

3 thoughts on “What Happened to My Christmas Spirit?

  1. Auntie Margaret

    I would say it should definitely involve a few presents! Let me know when you’re back and I’ll see what I can do. As usual my ideas of making presents for people have run into difficulties- I haven’t got enough time left, but with 6 months warning I might just manage something!!

    Reply
  2. Mum

    You’re not alone, Becky. Auntie Margaret and I had a conversation this morning and for one reason or another we’re feeling likewise. It really won’t be the same without you which is why I’m planning a second Xmas when you return to the UK for the festival season. We’ll enjoy it with all the trimmings and that’s a promise. Meanwhile decorate Bertie and work your magic in your tiny kitchen – oh, and don’t forget to post lots of photos. xx

    Reply
    1. Becky Post author

      Went to two supermarkets today and neither had Christmas decorations! Have I missed the boat? But I am trying, I had a little dance to some seasonal tunes this morning much to Paul’s embarrassment (it was in the privacy of the van, not in the supermarket, so I think it was allowed).
      Looking forward to a summer Christmas when we return, especially Christmas Pud and mince pies. Does that mean more presents too? xxx

      Reply

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