It's proving harder than expected to move away from a version of Christmas I've always known and loved as my family and I eschew the traditional gift giving in favour of spending more time together and setting a sacred space for it to happen in. As the days dwindle and the sparkle is at full volume in every shop window display the urge to grab my bank card and start panic buying random bits of tat, to hand to people on the 25th December, is almost uncontrollable. But then I pause. I breathe. I reflect. What I have found helpful is the recent election. Weird huh? Each time I think of the state of the UK an image of Robin Hood pops into mind. Steal from the rich to give to the poor. Makes so much sense I've never understood why some people disliked the man, the myth (but then I've never been the rich to be stolen from). There's a vast amount of love that surrounds me at this time and I'm pretty certain a few others are lucky enough to be blessed with loving friends, families, neighbours also. A broken mess of sadness and emotional outpouring would be my festive attire were it the case that I had no one around me. The presents and the tat and the "person I think I want to be that I can become if only I own that: dress/ necklace/ magazine subscription", can do one and it doesn't take much to access that part of me when I look at the state of the country. Steal from the rich to give to the poor. If someone is in need then give if you can. If you are fortunate enough to be surrounded by loving humans then that is the gift. The government will not make you laugh uncontrollably over the festive season until gravy comes out of your nose (*intentionally*) but your brother just might. Your mum might hold the baby whilst you eat a whole plate of lovingly-prepared food, slowly enough to note each flavour. Your cousin might pull out the ageing Monopoly board and challenge you to the ultimate play off: winner takes all, no holds barred, family epic game, just like old times. The holiday season is here and it is a time for family, friends, newcomers, old comers, neighbours and care, to be shown to all fellow humans. We are in this together, no tat required, just love and interaction to fill our stockings this year. I have a feeling it will be our best yet xx
