Well, that’s it for another year then, the ‘big day’ that’s been coming according to the advertising and marketing moguls since late September and which will struggle on in some stores until late February as the twinkling lights, penguins and fluffy singing animals gather dust and the lights dim and tarnish. Rest assured though, that Christmas novelty buyers will soon be flying off to foreign climes where the trade shows are already displaying the must-have decorations and novelties for Christmas 2020.
Opinions on Christmas decorations are as diverse as on any other topic of conversation these days and range from expensive Christmas tat to how wonderful that six foot high illuminated reindeer will look in on our driveway. That’s sure to impress the neighbours hopefully only until twelfth night.
Have you noticed though, the number of Christmas lights that, having decorated rainwater guttering, porches and eaves of some homes, are left gathering mildew and looking very forlorn from one Christmas until the next? Must confuse the youngsters among us who, having seen the ‘Santa Stop here‘ sign planted in the front garden, it too, is often left in place until the new school term beckons. I often wonder if the ‘kids’ did get what they asked for, presumably doubtful if they wrote to ‘Father Christmas’ who has apparently been banned as gender specific, making way for a complete takeover by ‘Santa’. Mind you, I did notice at the local garden centre ‘grotto’ (by appointment only and £11.00 a time) that pixies and elves were still in attendance. One can only assume that they are androgynous.
Buskers, or street musicians as they are apparently called these days, have this year in St. Mary on the Wold at least entered into the spirit of the occasion, belting out the same karaoke songs but with the addition of a red Santa hat and some plastic holly attached to the collection bucket. Some youngsters have made the effort too, and very nice it was to see and hear them playing Christmas carols on their recorder and violin on a street corner with a notice that a percentage of donations would go to various charities. Budding entrepreneurs in the making I thought, showing the spirit of enterprise and enthusiasm that this country was once notable for.
I was surprised though that they did not have to display their ‘safeguarding policy’ commitment to only singing politically-acceptable non-specific gender songs, together with their environmental policy, and it was noticeable that there did not appear to be a named adult in attendance; although their audience did seem quite appreciative of their efforts and, as one middle aged lady was heard to say, it does make quite a change from Noddy Holder and Merry Christmas Everyone.
Over the weekend here in the Wold and before things became frantic, there seemed to be multiple visits from courier vans, (sometimes quite late in the evening) either delivering essential food supplies or ‘prezzies’ as it would seem that many of our neighbours have purchased most of their Christmas gifts on line from one of the many outlets, which also has had the additional ‘benefit ‘of increasing commercial vehicle diesel-engined traffic quite considerably, the fumes of which mix very nicely with the smoke from all the wood-burning stoves now being used in local homes to add to the Christmas and mid winter atmosphere.
There have been several Christmas markets in local towns, which always add to local traffic congestion and, according to established stores, although attracting thousands of visitors to the town do not translate into increased sales in stores or visits to the local eateries. Apparently ‘street food’ is the latest ‘in’ way to eat for many of our busy population.
Maybe our existing traditional stores should be more adventurous and offer customers the chance of breakfast with Santa, as does our garden centre store cafe’ here in St. Mary, while others have provided ice skating rinks which have proved enormously popular with families. Long gone are the days when garden centres sold, well, garden stuff, and are now the destination of choice for people of all ages throughout the year, which is probably good for the local economy as they also provide many jobs.
Talking of destinations of choice, the ‘workplace’ did not seem to be one of them before Christmas, judging by the vehicle traffic and the hordes of people shopping in supermarkets. It would seem that for many the ‘big day’ began several days before. A friend, well experienced in retail management, said in passing that actually they had seen nothing like it, as business has been booming since early October and increased even more after the election. It seems the population has taken a collective sigh of relief and perhaps it’s a case of ‘optimism actually’ which I must admit makes a very pleasant change from the doom and gloom served up by the self-serving, self-styled intellectual elite of stage screen and media, along with their friends in the political bubble.
Part 2 will be published here tomorrow.
Don’t forget folks, we are past the Winter Solstice. (December 21st I believe it was.) Gradually now darkness will come a bit later each day. That is the bit I like.
“A friend, well experienced in retail management, said in passing that actually they had seen nothing like it, as business has been booming since early October and increased even more after the election. It seems the population has taken a collective sigh of relief and perhaps it’s a case of ‘optimism actually’”
I’d say it’s cheap money, actually. The mother of all busts is in the offing, 10 times as bad as 2008. Just check out various youtube sources. In particular I’d recommend rt’s “Keiser Report”.
The inter-bank “repo” lending rate, reflecting trust among banks, has spiked of late, the rumour mill mentioning Deutsche Bank as being deep in the proverbial. Sauve qui peut !
TIME TO REFLECT ! ….. Christmas assists work and Trade, from the production of the useful to the tacky gifts, but as just a thought, have we forgotten the reason for the festivities ? – The birth of Jesus the Redeemer, – His view of what life should be, – and His gift to us all !
It is too easy to rest upon the parties, the gifts, the time off work and the excesses of food and drink. I enjoy all of them as I am no Puritan, and I would include the gifts and thought for the less fortunate and those in need. – Need is throughout the year, and help is always required !
This Nation faces change via Brexit in the new decade. – Much planning and work will be required, so enjoy yourselves now. Happy New Year to all, but let us remember that it will be easier if we have the Blessing of Almighty God working with us, and not absent from this Nation !