The run up to Christmas is it's own kind of bonkers. Sure, it’s all twinkling lights and mulled wine on the surface but scratch a little deeper, and you’ll find a treasure trove craziness which makes me giggle when I think about it. All logic seems to fly out of the window and we all collectively lose our minds in the pursuit of festive perfection.
The food shopping frenzy!
You’d think we’re preparing for a month long snowstorm not one Christmas dinner. There’s always that one person with a trolley so stuffed that it looks like they’re feeding the five thousand and the panic is real. Have we got enough cheese, just one more block is needed when it really isn't. Heaven forbid you’re the one to grab the last box of stuffing mix, it could cause a riot!
The Christmas Card Conundrum!
First there’s the annual debate: to send or not to send? If you’re the sender you probably spent a solid hour debating whether to include a heartfelt note or just go with a generic "Merry Christmas, love from us." Is this a "Best wishes" kind of friend or a "Love always" type? And let’s not even mention the existential crisis of running out of stamps (have you seen the price of them now) and deciding if distant Aunt Margaret really needs a card this year.
The “Who Ate the Chocolates?” Game!
Advent calendars are a lovely tradition until someone gets sneaky. One minute you’re opening December 15th to a chocolate Santa and the next you’re staring at an empty square because someone (one of my girls probably) have raided ahead and ate one of my treats. Hmmf! So the petty side of me pinches one of there chocolates too. hehehe
The Christmas Jumpers!
It’s that time of year when people, grown adults proudly strut about in jumpers that look like they’ve lost a bet. Glitter, pompoms and LED lights aren’t just encouraged they’re mandatory. My fella has a Star Wars one which he is so proud of but it's hideous. Becky has a Deadpool one which she loves but it's not my favourite thing that she wears at Christmas.
The Wrapping Paper Olympics!
Wrapping gifts is supposed to be fun, right? Wrong! First, there’s the existential crisis of trying to match paper to the recipient. Would dad appreciate glittery snowflakes or neutral stripes? I always lose the scissors run out of tape and by the end at least one present looks like it’s been mangled by an overly enthusiastic toddler!
The "Just a Few More Presents" Problem!
Does anyone actually finish their Christmas shopping early? If you do, you’re a rare and mystical creature. I finished last week but I still seem to be buying presents. I convince myself that one more scented candle will complete someone's gift. Just a little box of chocolates will be nice for someone else's present pile. It's never ending! I need some self discipline. lol
The Weather Optimism!
Why do we Brits always think it’s going to snow at Christmas? Every year someone says, “It’s looking likely this time!” as if they have a hotline to the Met Office. In reality, we’re more likely to get torrential rain and gale force winds than a Winter Wonderland. But does that stop us? Nope. We carry on dreaming!
What makes you laugh in the run up to Christmas?
