I’m no Grinch but my local supermarket was selling Mince Pies just after the children went back to school, seriously the sun was still shining and Christmas was the furthest thing from my mind. If I’d started buying Mince Pies then I’d be the size of a house by now, there is no way they would last until 25th September let alone 25th December.
I personally don’t think about Christmas until after Bonfire Night, there are so many things to enjoy in the autumn before the mad panic when the realisations that lack of planning means the bank balance will barely survive the coming onslaught.
What is there to enjoy pre Christmas? Well first the joy of the end of the summer break and if like me you have to work during the school holidays that brings the relief of no longer having to juggle childcare and work, then we can look forward to all those autumnal treats, the beautiful colours of the trees, the crisp mornings, Halloween and Trick and Treating – very American I know but the children love it so why not indulge them? Then my favourite thing Fireworks it seems such a shame that this activity isn’t done throughout the month of November rather than just one day! I know not everyone will agree especially those with nervous animals but a clear sky filled with colour is a wonder to behold.
But now that is over we can think about Christmas, deciding which relatives to visit, gifts to buy, menus to plan and presents to wrap! Not forgetting to send cards to remind those friends you have been too busy to see all year that you do still exist and remember it’s a time to celebrate and enjoy your family, sit back and take a few days to relax before you start working on that New Year’s resolution list!
