To be cynical…
Its Christmas.
After the year I’ve had , divorce , return to my homeland from self imposed exile, my “welcome home” week in prison,
my legal problems , the fact that Y & T decided not to invite me for Christams drinks as promised ,
the fact that my best friend has returned to Italy…
I figured I had every right to be BahHumbugging my way all through these few weeks.
I thought that I had more reason than most to sulk and moan my way through the holiday
I thought that I could be rightiously indignant at all the falseness and monopolising
commercialism that abounds at this time of year.
Then I went to the city today to resentfully buy the obligatory presents for my family,
I cringed at the hideously elevator like music emanating from every shop and bar,
I winced at the tacky decorations and the militant attitude of the Taxi drivers who
obviously had better palces to be.
But I couldnt sustain it,
The bar and waitstaff desperate for me and the other customers to leave so they might repair to their parties,
while enviously comparing presents with the staff lucky enough to have had a break to go shopping on.
The two young girls on the street trying to explain to their worried mother that they had to go into Brown Thomas
on their own for reasons they didnt care to expalin.
The look of desperation on the faces of people realising that Peter Marks was closed
and they needed a better present idea than a voucher for a hair styling.
The staff in the stores going through the motions
and waiting just waiting for 6 O’Clock so they could get outta work.
The lonely soulful guy in the bar who eventaully wished everyone a happy christmas.
I just couldnt do it
I couldnt stay angry.
Events and atmosphere conspired against me.
Im going to our local bar Myo’s tonight with my parents and sisters.
Im going to talk to the type of people I can normally never stand
and dammit I’m going to have a good time in spite of myself.
Im going to be magnanamous and gracious and full of festive cheer.
So to all the wannabe scrooges out there…
Call someone
Talk to strangers
…pass the Humbugs.
Happy Christmas y’all