October is upon us. Every year, I ask myself how has it gone so fast. I'm always resolute that next year will be slower, that I must take time over things and I'll be desperate for the end of the year to arrive. Of course, this never happens. Being swept up in academia, family goings on and, yes, blog writing means the days and weeks fly by. At the start of every month, while pinching and punching everyone (lightly might I add), the thought of being another 30 days nearer to the new Year fills my head. What did I achieve since the last 'pinch-punch' session? What have I got to show? What will I buy people for Christmas? Well, the relief about Christmas starting early (for me at least) means that I have plenty of time to prepare for the joyous occasion of Christmas carols, opening presents and food.
Christmas cards. The dilemma over whether to buy the cheap Co-op version or physically hand make them always takes over my brain. Though I'm not at all arty, imagining someone open a uniquely crafted card in front of their family by the Christmas tree always tempts me to the blank cards, thought not for long. Then I'll see a clever Christmas pun card and buy the whole lot. However, I have a plan this year. Regular readers will know I volunteer in a charity shop. Like last year, they have a set of exclusive Christmas cards (no sponsor, partially because you don't know their name). I bought a set, wrote them to everyone and cards were done. The designs are usually good quality, so nobody loses out. The charity gets money, you have cards to write and people receive something good quality instead of a poor felt tip pen filled card. I've always enjoyed seeing people open presents. Whether it's their birthday or Christmas, seeing reactions to gifts is always wonderful. Their eyes beam open in delightful, their face a picture of content. Yes, it could be fake, but in my experience, people are genuinely grateful at what someone has purchased. It can be tricky to not ask someone what they want, because what's the point in buying a present that the person will never use? However, I like to purchase unexpected items that I spontaneously come across and just know that I must purchase now. I see an item and it reminds me of someone I know, something that is perfect for them. It's purchased gleefully. The next part is always the hardest: wrapping the blooming thing up. Until last year, I would never wrap any presents. Even though they were from me and may have been purchased with my money, I had no desire to wrap them. That was down to my parents. I presume present openers would have always been surprised that a present from me was so neatly wrapped. Actually, given that I wasn't considered an adult yet, I'm sure they were aware that it certainly wasn't me who used half the Sellotape supplies for one present. Last Christmas, I didn't give you my heart, but I did want to learn how to wrap. There were billions of videos of advice on YouTube and I just followed one: a person wrapping a book. The method seemed relatively straightforward and has served me in good stead. The wrapping may not be as neat, but it is, if nothing else, authentic. Unfortunately, it means I can only buy rectangular or squared shaped presents. Bit limiting. As is always the case with Christmas, I can't wait to spend time with my family. Throughout the year there are good times and bad, like in any family. Christmas seems to be the time when, for nearly two weeks, we all get on. The shared unity of wanting to celebrate, reflect on another year, giving and receiving presents and eating lots of food mean any disagreements fly out the window. Instead there is fun, laughter and a sense of satisfaction to draw the year to a close. Board games are played, delicious food is consumed, classic Christmas TV specials are watched, icy walkways are explored. Nature is simply beautiful at this time of year. Long term readers may notice two things. Firstly, that I celebrated Christmas this August with my extended family. How an Earth can I be preparing for a second Christmas just two months later? And secondly, my warm, positive Christmas message is similar to last year's. Both of those are true. Two Christmases was, for better or for worse, a one off and will certainly not be happening every year. Christmas is truly unique; it's made better by not happening every moth. What I've written this year is, yes, similar to last. While Christmas may be unique, the values encompassing the occasion, for me at least, never change. So, let the frantic Christmas shopping commence! At least I don't have to worry about making the food we eat. That really would be a recipe for disaster.....
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