Comfort and Joy

 

Yesterday’s blog post prompted a comment about the trickiness of Christmas shopping this year, especially with what’s going on in the world and the organisational chaos and uncertainties that have ensued. Already, consumer groups have been ‘warning’ us to ‘buy early’ to avoid hold ups in the delivery systems that have struggled to keep up with the rise in online shopping. Therefore, we need to ‘think ahead’ in order to save us from a Christmas full of ‘disappointment’. I have to admit when I heard this snippet on the radio, I thought, ‘Oh, ffs...’ and rolled my eyes. I may have also muttered, ‘Get a grip!’ under my breath. But then I did think, perhaps I SHOULD start shopping now. You know...just in case.

What is wrong with us? Have we become so embroiled in high expectations of perfection that the thought of simpler and less stressful ways to celebrate the festive season fill us with feelings of horror and failure? Like the whole day will be a disaster if the napkin rings don’t match the candlesticks and the potatoes are a little over-done?

 Andy and I had even mooted the idea of saving the trouble of gift buying by suggesting to family and friends that we entered into a reciprocal non-gifting Christmas, with the exception of the Granddaughters because I don’t want them being victims of my bah humbug attitude. Christmas, then, would consist of some twinkly lights and a huge and delicious dinner, followed by watching whatever tat is on the TV and/ or reading a jolly good book. Sounds good to me. Bring on the cheese and crackers! 

Anyway, it made me think more about how to celebrate a potentially cold and hard Winter festival season (all those acorns, remember? And my prickly bush under the front kitchen window is smothered to the point of being overwhelmed with red berries so make of that what you will...) in a good and cheering way.

Every year I start a little notebook, to keep me organised and on track over the Winter, and this year’s notebook starts with the words ‘Simple’, ‘Quiet’, ‘Joyful’ and ‘Magical.’ And it occurred to me that all the Christmas shopping I did yesterday consisted of little items what contain these qualities! They have all been sourced from Not On The High Street, Etsy, Folksy and random searches entitled ‘Quirky Gifts’ because I am determined to support independent British makers and crafters, and avoid the big High Street companies, which are all so bog-standard anyway. (WARNING: be careful typing ‘Quirky Gifts’ into a search bar - I have discovered that some people’s idea of quirky is way different to mine. Best stick to Etsy, Folksy and NOTHS). I’ve chosen items that will bring a smile, imbue calmness, that have that little ‘something’ memorable, either sensory or as an experience. My gifts this year aim to lower stress, encourage mindfulness and appeal to the senses. Simple, quiet, joyful and magical. Christmas 2020 at Damson Cottage will be one of comfort and joy. 

 So we aren’t going wild this Christmas, aside from the fact we’ve both gone from working full time in highly salaried positions, to very part time on reduced hourly rates. If there is one thing I have taken from these last few months, it is that a simple, calm and quiet life is a way better life than one of over-spending, crowded socialising and being held hostage by media perceptions - advertising, how to be perfect, loud ‘celebrities’ and ‘experts’ spouting rubbish - on how I SHOULD be leading my life.

Spreading comfort and joy, that’s what it’ll be about this year. The thought has made me very happy!