Traditions worth starting ...and one never to forget

LOOKING BACK WITH AFFECTION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HOPE

- HANNAH JONES

WELL, hello there, December, I’ve been expecting you. Just like I've been expecting the annual pressure to go to Christmas markets, buy a flashing-nose jumper, host parties, trim up, buck up, be joyful.

Only this year, because of “stuff,” I’m not listening. But I am looking back to move forward.

I once told a friend, who was stressed about “giving everybody the perfect day,’ not to sweat it, explaining, “Christmas is just another day when you think about it, only with gravy boats” They looked at me as if I'd slapped Santa right in the mush. My pal, Hiya Love, came back with a sarcastic: “And I suppose, spoil sport, you think those matching snowball-covered PJs I just bought us is overkill?”

Let me set the record straight: I. Do. Not. Hate. Christmas.

What I enjoy more is reminiscing about the old-school magic: foil decorations, Argos catalogue wish-lists, Bodyshop Dewberry smellies, and never getting over the disappointment of never receiving a Mr Frosty. (It still hurts.)