Inner-city Christmas

I do sometimes loathe Christmas and the things it makes us do. Must go here cuz they have that there, and they’d be sooo chuffed if I could get them this brand that cost this much… And sadly I loathe it more in London, because there’s more people in less space, all trying to buy the same socks.

There are also so many positive things Christmas makes us do.  I actually love the way everyone feels the need to meet up. There’s a lot of wine drinking and seeing mates that you haven’t seen for ages. It’s great. Life affirming. What I also like about Christmas is it’s an opportunity to say thank you to the people who have helped you through the year. I realise you can open your mouth and say Ta on any day of the year you wish, but saying it at Xmas has an extra sparkly ring to it. Saying thanks doesn’t have to mean spending loads of cash either. I can testify to that, and my £41 a year payrise from my employers doesn’t really stretch massively far…

But Christmas is definitely not about London’s Oxford Street, which I’ve had the misfortune to walk along twice this month. I can’t help but think it brings out the absolute worst in human nature. Not only in ‘them’, the bolshy, rude masses and their kids pounding the street and clogging up the till queues, but also myself. Rage and short temper seem to come to the surface like a switch has been pulled, as soon as I exit the tube at Tottenham Court Road.  Nightmarish roadworks also happening there, by the way! Avoid avoid avoid.

My saviour this year? Online shopping.
Without it I would probably have gotten myself into an altercation, accidentally or otherwise, by now. Who needs santa when you have Amazon – (Super Saver Delivery!), or moneysupermarket? Not me! Santa can give the reindeer a break this year.

One of may all time fave bits about Xmas?? Mince pies! I am going to make my own, and not give any more cash to the Kiplings.