So Here It Is...

Christmas is now mere hours away. This means that if your shopping remains undone, you may be in trouble comparable to Arnie's in a festive classic. Mine is all safely done, wrapped and placed under the tree for my brother to poke at before opening (this is why I don't wrap them until Christmas Eve). This is probably a time for relaxation (unless you're making Christmas dinner): perhaps you'll go to Mass, perhaps you'll watch the Father Ted Christmas special (an annual tradition, since RTÉ are unimaginative), perhaps you'll watch some Yuletide film (Die Hard is the favourite, of course). Then again, perhaps you'll spend your time thinking about Christmas itself.

So ultimately, what does Christmas boil down to? The usual tabloid nonsense at this time of year about how Christmas is being stolen from Christianity is, of course, just that: complete nonsense. Christmas is not just about the birth of Jesus (let's face it, there's only a 1 in 365 chance it really is his birthday); it's about those great and elusive concepts of "peace" and "goodwill". In fairness, what could be more purely Christian than the spreading of goodwill towards all humanity? On that note, do everyone a favour this Christmas: if you happen to be out and about on Christmas Day, smile at people on the street, whether or not you know them, and wish them a merry Christmas. It's the best way to spread good cheer.

Now, while Christmas is about goodwill towards everyone, most people tend to associate it with family, which is entirely correct. Christmas is also a time for celebrating those we love and cherish. This is the point behind the giving of presents, and that cliché of "it's the thought that counts"; the surest sign imaginable that the present you have bought is God-awful. The point behind presents and indeed cards is to show that we appreciate those around us. It's also, of course, a time for friends; it may be nice to call in on some friends, if only for a few moments, on Christmas Day, or perhaps to give them a phone call. Nothing is so wonderful as an unsolicited call bearing only good wishes.

If you're working hard to prepare the house for visitors today, or else working on making dinner, it may be helpful to take a few moments to think about why exactly you're doing this, especially if you're feeling a little grumpy about it. It'll help a lot. Trust me; I just did – hence this post.

I'll take this opportunity to wish everyone who's reading this a very merry and safe Christmas. I do hope no-one is inconvenienced by the continuing inclement weather. I may post again in the next week, but if not, then I wish you all the best for 2011 as well.



[TEN AND A HALF HOURS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!]