Angel Whispers

So Here it Isn't

Every year I complain loudly and frequently about the hype and ridiculous fuss that begins even before summer has closed the door behind her. Every year I hear many others complain it starts earlier and earlier, yet nothing and no one seem able to stop it. Some people tell me they don't notice it, others say they can switch off from it, but sadly I am not one of them. It isn't even December yet every other song on the radio, almost all television adverts and all shopping centres surrender to the onslaught.

I resent being forced or even cajoled into doing anything against my will. Maybe I have an awkward streak that refuses to join in things just because others think we should. You may have noticed over the past fifteen years I am not a fan of Humbug as I prefer to call it. I don't get why some think it the most wonderful time of the year or feel it necessary to ram it down your throat for months beforehand. There have always been many people who are reminded of painful events and the loss of loved ones at this time of year and now I am one of them. For many reasons this year it will be my choice to not involve myself in any of the humbug proceedings.

I will not be decorating my house. I will use having a lively kitten and hopefully preparing to move as valid reasons, but in reality it would be too painful. I have decided to sell some of my decorations and donate the rest to charity.

I will not be cooking a humbug dinner. Having done this for over thirty years I feel I have a right to say no to something that would only upset me. I will provide food for my family, but it certainly won't be traditional.

I will not be spending extortionate amounts on gifts or wrapping presents. In fact I probably won't be doing any humbug shopping at all and that will be a great relief emotionally and financially.

I probably won't be sending many cards. I usually make my own, but this year I have been unable to face any craftwork which brings back memories of this time last year and I just do not feel able to buy and write cards as a single person.

But before you write me off as a killjoy, a miserable so and so or a grinch there is something positive I will be doing. Two weeks tomorrow I will be taking my son and family to Lapland for a week. Hopefully it will be a once in a lifetime experience that will stay in the memories of my grand monsters for a long time.

I may develop hypothermia, risk life and limb in the snow, suffer an overdose of children's company and Christmas orientated activities, but I promise to keep my mouth well and truly shut and not utter my favourite two words of the season.

BAH HUMBUG