From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
23 WELCOME TO 2002
Well, Christmas. time of good cheer and good will to fellow persons is over. And it’s 2002 And you've kept your new year resolutions so far. It's only a few days and you can't drink anyway, you're liver is still recovering from Christmas! And your stomach is so bloated you don't want to eat anything! And if anyone offers you turkey or ham in the next 6 months, you'll have to hit them!
How do you recover from the stress of Christmas and prepare yourself for the new year? Of course, Christmas is a time of great joy for the majority - it' s just the rush to get ready for Christmas that attacks most people. I reckon these days it’s a case of Oh #@*#@, It’s Christmas already and I haven’t done any shopping; who will we spend the day with; it was your turn last year; not turkey and ham again; I can’t stand your brother - I’ll walk out this year if he does his thing again’ and I am not, repeat not, going to try and patch up the family feud again. When will I have time to cook? We can’t afford many presents. Who’ll put up the tree. And a whole host of other joyous comments.
So why not rush out to the January sales and do half your Christmas shopping for next year! We always say we'll do it and then 'suddenly' it's March and there are no sales; and anyway, Christmas is too far away. I wonder if it would be a good idea to make a list of all the people you need to buy presents for - this close to Christmas you'll remember everyone, instead of realizing on Christmas Eve at 6.00pm ..."oh my stars, I forgot a present for Aunt Mabel!".
Then keep the list on the fridge and whenever you see a bargain or the perfect gift for someone you can buy it and cross them off the 1994 list. This way you might reduce some of the last minute panic and rush - and it spreads the load of the cost of presents over the whole year.
What about the useless presents that you have received and those that you wouldn't be seen dead in? Firstly, think about the sentiment that goes with that gift. That person probably spent hours looking for this 'beautiful' present and wished they had been given a present as wonderful. So that when you look at it it reminds you of the sentiment. OK, so you still can't stand it.
Well, there's always the chance of a bad taste party during the year! Or next year's "we all bring a $5.00 present and put them into the bag for a miscellaneous draw" opportunity! It's a mean trick , but I suppose someone might love what you hate! Or St Vincent de Paul or the Salvation Army are always grateful for donations. Someone out there will find it useful, or beautiful or wonderful - maybe you'll help someone else and boost your immune system at the same time.
For those who are feeling sad that Christmas is over and that the family will soon be going, what about planning a 'winter Christmas'? One in July when we really feel like eating a huge, hot meal? Plan and book it with family and friends now so they can prepare and put it in their diaries. It's an opportunity to have the ideal Christmas without potential family hassles cos we don't have to ask all- or any - of the family! We can ask whomever we like. And that gives you something to look forward to - so put those Chrissie decorations somewhere easy to find!
