Everyone loves a good old fashioned nostalgic chrimbo and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, I don’t know about you but it can feel a little err samey.
I was getting christmas’ed out a few years ago. Getting to the point where the valuable days off from work were spent driving up and down the M6, forking out for tat that no-one really wanted and eating everything and anything if the wrappers had robins or snowflakes on (I’m looking in your direction Mr Kipling).
So I was totally ready to leave all the carolling, naff jumpers and tacky decorations behind when I spent Christmas abroad on my own in Thailand. For the first time ever I spent the 25th December eating a calzone pizza in my bikini hanging out on a sun drenched paradise beach with a bunch of other backpackers. It was brilliant. The following year I was in France and got fully involved in their calorific lengthy dinners and boozy traditions (even if it was weird swapping gifts on xmas eve) and last year I was lazing in a rooftop swimming pool in the crazy cool city of Buenos Aires.
But you can’t be away for Christmas they said. It won’t feel like it they chimed.
They were right. It didn’t feel like Christmas, well not like the one I’d been used to for the previous 28 years of my life. But this wasn’t a bad thing. I was so happy to have a change.
I guess me and Christmas just needed to go on a break. Ross and Rachel style.
A break that was overdue in order for me to feel the excitement that Christmas used to give me. After all, you know how I feel about doing the things that make you happy. If something has lost its spark then try and find a way to reignite it. Which is exactly what I’ve done as this year I’m back in the UK and ready to rekindle my relationship with the festive festivities.
Because I have had this break from the normal traditions it means I am super excited to really do chrimbo in style. Eggnog? Bring it on. Jumpers with lights and music? Erm I’ll take two please. Cheesy pantomime, Christmas markets, Santa runs and silly family games? Hells yeah.
Changing your routine, experiencing December 25th in a foreign country and learning about how others celebrate this special day was fantastic and something I would do again. Just not this year. This year I am ready for you Christmas.
I hope you also have a blooming fantastic festive period wherever in the world you are!
