Christmas

Christmas

This festive time is here again, it comes but once a year.
The tinsel, presents, joyous song and lots of food and beer.

Each person has their point of view, no matter what their age.
Everyone is different and is at a different stage.

The young ones get excited and prepare for Santa’s sleigh.
They leave mince pies and cannot wait to wake on Christmas day.

The young teens seem quite nonchalant, but they still love it really.
A great excuse to play the fool and love their parents dearly.

The older teens have great excuse to party hard and drink.
They get in states but Santa knows a lot more than they think.

And then into the 20’s which can be a tricky zone.
To spend with parents, with their friends, with partners, or alone.

30’s 40’s 50’s are dependent upon others.
Are they wives or husbands, are they fathers, are they mothers?

But then the fast advancing years – they bring around a pension.
And hardships at this time of year – to plentiful to mention.

The shops start in October with Christmas Cards and glitter.
The wind doth blow, the rain doth fall – the weathers turning bitter.

The achy joints and chilly hands and dodgy circulation,
The heating bills are like the debt of a small third world nation!

How long to wait until the day you dig out decorations?
From out the loft or one of many undefined locations.

They all smell slightly musty and some have seen better days.
“I bought that in the 60’s in my far-out hippy phase”

Immense accumulations of the of the baubles, lights and things,
And snowmen, fairies, bits of junk and many cards on strings.

The cards are just more drama, the address book looks a mess,
“Who are Bob and Doreen” all just adding to the stress.

“How old is cousin Penny” and “Did Auntie Mable die”
“Did Roy and Bernie get divorced” It makes you want to cry.

The secret rules of Christmas Cards, the etiquette to use,
To pick your list and stop at those? It’s up to you to choose.

The dreaded Christmas shopping-it can catch you on the hop.
How old do children have to be before the presents stop?

Is a voucher suitable? They might think you are lazy!
Gifts for nephews twice removed? Defining lines are hazy.

And what about the neighbours? From The Grange and Willow Walk?
You like some more more than others, but what happens if they talk?

You got some lovely hyacinths from number 25,
You didn’t get them bu**er all, but maybe they’ll survive.

You purchase things you never buy- the tension never eases,
Like pate, goose fat, brandy sauce- selection of nice cheeses.

Experience of years gone by has taught you this is bad,
Half of it gets wasted and it always makes you sad.

The manic scenes on Christmas Day of presents, noise and drama,
Are followed by a massive slump, but everyone is calmer.

The snoozing round the telly or reclining in your chair,
You made the food, you played the host so now you just don’t care.

But Christmas is a joyous time and comes but once a year,
So don your hat and tinsel and embrace the festive cheer.

Merry Christmas to all, Wishing you a Healthy Happy 2017.

From my daughter Kelly O to me