I’m afraid I haven’t sent a single Christmas card this year, and I’ve excused myself. The tests and diagnosis came just at the time I’d have been buying and writing them and, sorry, it was just one thing I felt I could cut out this year!
But that doesn’t mean that I am feeling in any way “bah humbug” about this Christmas. Quite the opposite. I haven’t felt this full of Christmas cheer for many years.
The week’s festivities continued yesterday with a pleasant early drink in the Grapes. On our way out of the pub at the sensible hour of 7pm, the plan to go straight home yet again got derailed though. Our friend Martin, who lives directly opposite the pub, just happened to be walking into his house as we left.
Having not seen him since I got my news, he was keen to say hi and have a quick catch up. He was going out in about an hour for a pre-Christmas meal with eight or nine friends, all of whom we know and who were on their way round for a drink. Why didn’t we pop in for a drink too? Couldn’t think of a good enough reason to say no to a glass of champers, so I didn’t!! Oh well, it’s only once a year – well Christmas anyway, although there is always an excuse to have fun!!
I’m really looking forward to tomorrow too. We will be 15 for Christmas lunch — the sort of number we’ve had most years since I was a small child, always round at my parents’ house. In the last couple of years Martin has taken over cooking duties from my mum and this year we decided to do it at our place. We will be joined by my cousins, aunt, my cousin’s two daughters, one of their boyfriends and his parents!
Those who know me will know that I will not be allowed anywhere near the kitchen, and that has absolutely nothing to do with my current illness. I’m feeling fit and healthy this week, but as I never do the cooking it would not only be bizarre to start now, it would mean my guests would no doubt decide they’d suddenly got alternative arrangements!
So here’s to a wonderful Christmas to all my wonderful friends and family, and may 2012 be a good year in whatever way you define good!! Loads of love to you all – Jo xxxxx
