MARY-JANE DUNCAN: It’s a time of worry, but I am so ready for Christmas

By Mary-Jane Duncan

November 26 2022, 8:30am

Winter is a time for being cosy, and counting our blessings.

Winter time is no longer celebrated and embraced in the same way it once was.

In times long gone, it was a time of rest. Of comfort. Of going home. Of allowing ourselves to process all that has happened throughout the past year. Allowing ourselves to prepare for and accept the year is coming to a close.

It’s a necessary time of hibernation to allow for tired limbs and burdened minds to recover.

It’s cold, it’s dark

Yet it’s only November. I already feel anxious. It’s suddenly freezing, it’s dark all the time, I have 18 different deadlines (merely a slight exaggeration) due within two weeks.

Everyone is panicking about the rising cost of living and what it means for Christmas.

Himself has told me we really need to start saving money. I’ve informed him for that to happen he’ll need to marry someone else.

Naturally I am facing this head on. ‘Adulting’ pants on if you will, and I’m instigating maximum avoidance.

I’m running away from consumerism, brightly lit adverts, frantic shopping and over spending.

Comfort food and box sets

I am, instead, running towards comfort food, box sets and blankets. My natural desire to go inwards is strong and the recent downpours leave me feeling this winter is going to be hard.

I worry for those without a big, welcoming family with a roaring, blazing fire.

Winter should be kind. In a soft enveloping way. Where we can quietly look towards our inner selves and reflect on everything that has passed in 2022.

A period of forgiveness for things that have gone wrong and gratitude for things that have gone right.

As I get older I really just want to be surrounded by good people. People that are good for me, good to me and good for my soul.

I welcome weekends not leading to big moments. Quiet weekends with room to contemplate, with space to grow and with joy to be found in the mundane.

December and glitter

I’m reminded of primary school. When you spent the whole month of December covered in glitter.

Choosing who got to go round classrooms delivering Christmas cards. Painting snowflakes and holly on the windows. Tinsel-clad classroom assistants watching over assemblies full of charmingly off-key carols.

Nativity plays and Christmas fayres with parents bartering their offspring’s homemade tree decorations.

And the Christmas disco! Teachers in partyware – who knew Ms Milne had a thing for sequins?! Those were the days!

Let’s reinvent that feeling for ourselves now, as adults.

A ‘go fund me’ Santa?

Although different things occur to me in the run up to the festive season madness. Things like carbon footprints and fuel costs.

Should we really have Santa travelling all round the world delivering presents? Should we start a ‘go fund me’ for his fuel? Maybe we should all be collectively naughty and save him the trip?

The mister and I went to our storage unit to retrieve the first of decorations. We have to decorate the café and we’re grateful to have a whole host of willing helpers to assist with decking the proverbial halls.

We might not have boughs of holly but we will belt out FA LA LA LA LAAAAAAAAAAAs frequently, possibly out of tune, but full of gusto.

The younger helpers don’t know how good they have it with modern day lyrics sites. We merrily sang everything wrong for years until the truth destroyed us.

But we’ll carry on correct or not. Wearing Christmas jumpers or sparkly outfits and once the fairy lights are hung and baubles are placed, the festive cheer will be released.