Mince Pies n' a Dollop of Calm

Giving in to temptation

Hark! Is that the tinkle of a festive tune? A whiff of gingerbread? Oodles of cream and sprinkles on my latte? Yes. Yes it is. It's that day of the year again, you know - the one that leaves us in absolutely no doubt that that Christmas is a-coming and you better get your wallet out? That one.  On this day of days, Starbucks coffee giant releases their 'red cup' mania to the public (though not without the previous weeks' tantalising preview to loyal reward card holders) and coincidentally, John Lewis reveals the highly anticipated Christmas Advert.  We've been waiting an entire year for this,  it better be good! It's the 6th of November, we've barely brushed the last of the autumn leaves from our boots (and thrown out the last festering pumpkin) and we are being thrown head first into the nearest pile of glittering gadgets and tasty truckles. 

At this time of year there's no amount of planning and organising that will keep those precious days before Christmas in your grasp. They will be flying by you in a swirl of fairy dust,  and you'll be lucky to catch a hold of just one or two. Many people will grumble about this. I will grumble about this. But, but - on the other side... I have often felt like I am wading through treacle until the sun finally starts getting up when I do. The days at the start of the year are the worst for a lot of people. Skint after Christmas shopping and too much celebrating,  nothing to look forward to apart from kissing the daylight goodbye...  and there ain't no pretty lights to distract us from it. No,  I think I like this side better. Sure - it's fast and busy and far too expensive but there's a certain, dare I say it: magic. 

I am a sucker for magic. So, on this day of days, I sit, gingerbread latte in hand (oodles of cream galore) accompanied by a sparkling mince pie, a fresh dusting of snow-white sugar barely settled on top. Just because. The festive music ringing in my ears throws my mind back over previous years... surrounded by family:  relaxed, happy and  stuffed as pugs (as my mum would say) - cheered by wine and presents. 'Tis the Season to be jolly! And what's wrong with that? The whole world is forced into being cheery no matter what, and grateful. Oh! So grateful. That we have it so good - and we have so much to be thankful for. 

So I say:  bring it on.  After all, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year... 

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