December can be one of the best times of the year – but no-one’s ever going to say it’s the easiest month of the year.
It’s dark and cold. The roads and the pavements can be snowy and icy (they certainly are today). The shops are busy, restaurants are busy and so are the carparks, and so are the alternatives, the trains, buses and subway. The supermarkets get mobbed towards Christmas, so do their delivery slots.
So much for the doom and gloom! It’s also the season of mulled wine, hot cider and mince pies. You can’t walk past St Enoch’s without glorious smells of spices and sugar. There are parties, fizz and lots of chances to wear you finery. It’s OK to go on shopping splurges – your yourself, for kids, for presents and wonderfully indulgent foods. And when else do you get the chance to see Auntie Elsie after one too many, or Jim from sales shaking his tail feathers?
The key is to be organised – and reward yourself once you’ve done the tough bits. Lists are key.
- The christmas card list. Do you know your friends postal addresses? Best ring or email to confirm.
- The present list. Know what you want to buy before you leave the house. Check clothing sizes.
- Start stockpiling non-perishable foods and drinks.
- Plan all your festive meal, Christmas Eve, breakfasts and snacks as well as Christmas dinner, boxing day.
- Stock up on first aid and medical basics (and by that I mean alka seltzer)
- Having people to stay? plan the housework, laundry and buy extra loo roll.
It’s good to be one of the lucky ones. To be warm, dry and eating in good company is the best thing ever, so if you can spare a thought, or half an hour for someone else please do. According to my mother and her friends, things that are much appreciated include, clearing snow, carrying heavy things, going to the post office and offering to walk dogs.
