So another year has flown by once more. Unreal isn’t it how quickly time is passing; and here we are again in December. With it’s cold days, freezing nights, disgusting weather but most importantly- CHRISTMAS! The one time of the year that everyone comes together in harmony (for the most part) and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ… By giving each other a shit load of presents, stuffing our faces with delicious food and getting pissed with family and friends. What’s not to love?
As I grow older it’s starting to become painfully obvious that Christmas as child is much more wonderful than as a young adult. Laying out cookies, carrots and milk (maybe with a dash of the strong stuff) for Santa as he squeezes down the tiny chimney, before marveling over how he managed to deliver presents to everybody in the world in just one night. Presents came in stacks- for me it ranged from pairs of knickers which my mum bought religiously for me every year (yes, she still does) to the newest doll or game console, whatever took my fancy as a child. The family would sit around and watch you open presents and you felt absolutely delighted that you were the centre of everybody’s attention. You were smothered with love and affection which made you feel overwhelmed because who doesn’t love kids at Christmas? Their energy alone could brighten someone’s day and their warm hearts (for the majority of kids) made the cold world outside a little more bearable.
Growing up destroys the mystery of Christmas. You are suddenly told that Santa was a lie concocted by parents all over the world, and presents become clothes instead of the latest gadget that makes your eyes pop with wonder. You are asked for what you want as presents instead of being surprised, you have jobs which may require you to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and last but definitely not least… Being a responsible (fairly) adult meant that you were expected to buy presents for everybody you’ve ever known. Fuck.
I have never been good at buying people presents. I have no idea where to start, I have no idea what the hell people would want, and I usually get something that they hate. My sense in fashion is soul-destroying and the thought of buying expensive jewelry or perfumes makes me shiver. I have no money, I’m already in debt from University even though it’s not over, how am I to afford everything for everyone? This is where things become a little bit more stressful. Gone are the days where you would go to Primary School and the only stressful thing going on was reciting lines for the Nativity Play. The real world is upon you, and people are expecting you to contribute.
The lead up to Christmas is agonizing; you’re plagued with the thoughts of deadlines you have coming up in the New Year and ripping your hair out over presents you can’t think up- so I suppose it’s completely understandable why adults get so drunk Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I already feel like drinking and I haven’t even started shopping yet.
Of course Christmas isn’t all doom and gloom like I’ve described. You’re together with the people you love the most, surrounded by their love for you and each other. You pray for snow together and sing Christmas songs loudly (and embarrassingly) together.You drink even more than you intended to and play silly board games. You fight over who gets the last roast potato or dollop of swede that our grandparents are infamously known for.
But of course, all the fun eventually comes to an end. Christmas finishes, the familiar sense of reality creeps upon you and you can’t help but think- oh I wish it could be Christmas, everydaaaaaaaaay.