Now looking at the date, it’s the 25th of November as I write and that can only mean one thing right? Only a month till Christmas! But for me it means so much more than that, to me it’s the day a tiny precious miracle entered our lives. It means a month till my niece’s birthday: she’s going to be four. Yet, I can imagine just how ready London is for Christmas and has been since September!
28 sleeps left till Christmas, only four more weekends to get all the shopping done and that’s including presents and Christmas dinner. Although I’m not Christian, I have to guiltily admit just how much I love the rush-around, the buzz, the panic and most of all that festive feeling you get as soon as the decorations and cards arrive in the shops. It’s as though we don’t go through it every year, but we do and then forget just how much energy and time it actually takes to get it all done. It kind of starts off like a merry-go round, slow, relaxed and happy, but as the music and going round speeds up, it becomes more miserable rather than merry.
Long queues, stuffy shops, products out of stock and the battle of Oxford Street and then Hamley’s – I’m tired already! Sometimes though, particularly at Christmas I prefer having lists, it makes everything so much more easier and life feel that tiny bit relaxed. Being in Cyprus this year for it is a whole lot different, like I said I don’t believe and have also begun giving my presents for New Year rather than Christmas. I know who I’d like to buy for- and have slowly began figuring out what to buy for who. I’ve only got the main part left- to start buying. Unfortunately there won’t be the same excitement as there is in London right now or the last minute rushing either, which I for some reason love and hate at the same time.
On the way to work this morning (Wednesday), I saw my first winter shop window display. Honestly, it was beautiful. The dinner table was set with red, white and silver napkins, sparkling wine glasses, exceptional silverware and candles, all that was missing was dinner and the family. The artificial fir Christmas tree erected in the front corner of the window had been carefully wrapped in shiny silver and red baubles, thin tinsel and ribbons with a glimmering white star on the top. I couldn’t help but smile, it wasn’t Selfridges and it certainly wasn’t Central London though it gave me that festive feeling we have around this time of year.
Christmas and even New Year’s isn’t about giving presents or celebrating, it’s really about being with the people you love, your family, your friends, your nearest and dearest. I know there’s a lot of people who we wish could still be with us this year and that nothing will ever replace their emptiness. Take a moment to think of those who are missing someone incredibly special this year and appreciate the blessings you still have in your life…
Life is precious and we must learn to value it as though there is no tomorrow.
