Pre Christmas Blues

[Siani]

I think you need to look at things in a different way. All of us walk around with the weight of the world on our shoulders from what we read and hear everyday. We spend time trying to think of solutions that will never be listened to nor implemented. In addition we all have personal problems that come up unexpectedly throughout the year.

Do what the Thais do and use any possible excuse to have sanuk. Go to parties, eat and drink too much, spend time with friends and family and just forget about everything else for a few weeks. The problems will still be here for our attention after New Year. The spirit of the season is catching, if you're receptive. Pete

Thanks Pete...sound advice...so what you are saying is...go with the flow

[pharvey]

I think you need to look at things in a different way. All of us walk around with the weight of the world on our shoulders from what we read and hear everyday. We spend time trying to think of solutions that will never be listened to nor implemented. In addition we all have personal problems that come up unexpectedly throughout the year.

Do what the Thais do and use any possible excuse to have sanuk. Go to parties, eat and drink too much, spend time with friends and family and just forget about everything else for a few weeks. The problems will still be here for our attention after New Year. The spirit of the season is catching, if you're receptive. Pete

Couldn't agree more Pete.

[Big Boy]

Bought our 'imitation' Christmas Tree yesterday

[PeteC]

Bought our 'imitation' Christmas Tree yesterday

Yes, ours will come out soon too. This is the 5th year for it and it still looks fine. I've got two pines growing in the yard that could pass very easily for a Christmas tree. Maybe I'll cut one down one of these years. Pete

[Terry]

Being totally non religious myself, I view Christmas as a time for the family to get together, have a small party, give some presents and generally 'flake out'.......

Mrs.T being strictly Thai Buddhist does not think of the Christian stuff, but being a Thai, she's certainly up for the party.

We get the 'tree' out, decorate it and then throw a few lights around the place to cheer it up a bit.
25 and 26 December are only 2 of the 5 days that we close each year. The staff relax, eat, get drunk and basically chill out.

For me, working away a lot as I do, it's mainly time for the family.
This year I'm home in the early morning of 21st - in time to kick some butt and organise it all. The best bonus for me this year, is that the project here in Hanoi is on hold for a few months, so it's looking like several months at home. Nothing better than working at my place during high season - it mostly doesn't feel like work - I enjoy it.

So - do I have Pre Christmas Blues?

Absolutely no way

Anyone from the forum, near the Lodge over the holiday period - pop by and say hello.

[pharvey]

Myself, the Long Haired General and MIL will be arriving on the 22nd for a couple of weeks, so will certainly be popping in for a visit at some time.

[STEVE G]

Anyone from the forum, near the Lodge over the holiday period - pop by and say hello.

I'll try and get by Terry, I live only a few hundred meters or so from your place now.

[kendo]

Siani i agree with a lot of what you are saying, but why don't you do something extraordinary and help as a volunteer their are a lot of old and vulnerable people very lonely this time of year that you could make a difference too.

I once kept a promise to a friends ex girlfriend that had cancer that i would go walking over the New Forest with our dogs on Christmas day, much to the dislike of my then partner.

I really think i made a difference to her Christmas day just giving some of my time to go for a walk in the morning and it cost nothing just a little good will.

Kendo.

[Siani]

Siani i agree with a lot of what you are saying, but why don't you do something extraordinary and help as a volunteer their are a lot of old and vulnerable people very lonely this time of year that you could make a difference too.

I once kept a promise to a friends ex girlfriend that had cancer that i would go walking over the New Forest with our dogs on Christmas day, much to the dislike of my then partner.

I really think i made a difference to her Christmas day just giving some of my time to go for a walk in the morning and it cost nothing just a little good will.

Kendo.

Yes good idea Kendo. I will do something to help the elderly, maybe some shopping and a chat.
I have a mother in law, 95 years, so will go to London for one day..maybe on my way to the airport and take her out. I lost my mother who was very old some 2 years ago so need a break myself, as I have done "Christmas" time and time over for years. So not all the time will be spent on charitable help...but certainly some of it. I used to have old neighbours, but since moving, all of them are younger now...they probably think they should call on me to see if I need help!! Joking

[kendo]

I know a guy that go's fishing on Christmas day with a half bottle of brandy does it every year!

Kendo.

[richard]

Siani i agree with a lot of what you are saying, but why don't you do something extraordinary and help as a volunteer their are a lot of old and vulnerable people very lonely this time of year that you could make a difference too.

I once kept a promise to a friends ex girlfriend that had cancer that i would go walking over the New Forest with our dogs on Christmas day, much to the dislike of my then partner.

I really think i made a difference to her Christmas day just giving some of my time to go for a walk in the morning and it cost nothing just a little good will.

Kendo.

Noble Kenny, very noble

when I lived in Zimbabwe we did the same. Visit the old and alone with a present and spend some time with them

[Terry]

I know a guy that go's fishing on Christmas day with a half bottle of brandy does it every year!

Kendo.

Have you been spying on me?

[Nereus]

I know a guy that go's fishing on Christmas day with a half bottle of brandy does it every year! Kendo.

Which fish like brandy?

[Siani]

The pre Christmas blues have gone This year I tried a new angle...a new approach to Christmas. I now record every TV programme I want to watch. No adverts from Iceland!!! No DFS I also shop in smaller shop for the run up to Christmas.
I feel much more in the "spirit of things" now...I took some things to the Salvation Army...also sent a card to a "stranger" via them to someone who would be lonely..or a child who will have nothing this Christmas.
However, I did have to go to Lincoln last week and stayed at a hotel on the Wharf there..in the bar...continuous "Jingly Bell music" still...it was only for a short time So not total commercial escape!
I am enjoying the lights, things are looking up The weather is absolutely freezing here in the UK...the roads are a sheet of ice. It was -4 deg overnight
The turkey is ordered, Tree up and lit...things are looking up

[Big Boy]

continuous "Jingly Bell music" still...it was only for a short time

You'd just love our musical Christmas Tree lights