I was chatting with my friend JMC over coffee this morning. He told me that around 10 years ago, his oldest sister and her family were over in Scotland from Canada. They were due to return home well before Christmas - September or something. Thinking about how they'd not be together on the day itself, one of his other sisters suggested having a Christmas family celebration before they left. The family got together and had an impromptu X-mas two months before the 'official' date. Each household contributed with items of food and drink and the idea worked very well. It turned out to be the most enjoyable family gathering that JMC can ever remember attending with his - admittedly - dysfunctional family!
The idea of an early Christmas is a rather interesting one when considered within context of some current-event patterns. In Edinburgh, the famous Hogmanay (Dec 31st) celebrations have already been cancelled. In the North of England - with a relatively large Muslim population, there is a lockdown in place. This particular lockdown has taken place around the time of the Eid festivals, during which multi-family visits take place on a grand scale. Whatever the overt and covert reasons may be, the observation can be made that social mobility during a major festival involving friends and family has been severely restricted in a sub-section of society. From a certain perspective this looks like a possible dress-rehearsal for a society-wide shut-down during a festival period such as X-mas!
AFAIC, making this connection is not far-fetched! The 'offical' narrative around the ongoing global virus-drama appears to be twisted, distorted and agenda-ridden. As such it seems to be very far removed from any sincere presentation of 'truth'. Refusing to acknowledge gaping holes in the narrative looks like a rather naive perspective, but one that may perhaps also be driven by fear. Choosing instead to acknowledge, look at and see these holes leads on to questions and doubts which can be independently researched, or at the very least can open the doorway to alternatives to the MSM. It ain't easy to shift the weight of Belief Systems though, and courage is required to venture beyond the comfort zones that they seem to offer.
The point of this backdrop - politics aside - is the reality that human liberty and the exercise and expression of freewill are being trampled upon by the Powers That Shouldn't Be. It can sometimes feel like a net closing in. However, this heavy-footedness seems also to be running along a rather loud and clumsily monotonous path only - and it doesn't appear to handle subtlety very well. Subtlety is softer than 'official decree' and it doesn't have the harsh edges of control and barked orders. Subtlety can invite discovery for oneself, such as creative alternatives to any officially defined path! Why wait for the 'official' date to arrive for example, let alone official permission - before celebrating Christmas?
Here's a summary of the idea that was presented over coffee:
Considering that it is highly likely that there are going to be restrictions on gathering during the Christmas period, celebrations could be brought forward to when it is convenient, ie when families & friends are getting together anyway - summer visits, autumn breaks etc. Getting together is unlikely to be easy this December, even over short distances of a few hours. Take it therefore when it is convenient and available; when the opportunity arises. This is also an act of empowerment and non-cooperation if one is so inclined!
There seem to be some practical advantages to celebrating X-mas on your own terms and in your own time:
- there is no kitch to deal with, no shop music on endless repeat of jingling bells and Rudolph's awkward redness
- it's a less commercialised experience; no mass targeting of gift-buying consumers across all physical and electronic media
- there's not the peer & advertising pressure on kids to get this or that present, so no corresponding frenzied pestering of parents for stuff they may not really want but think they need in order to preserve image in group
- an early X-mas means pre-flu season and a greater likelihood of older family members attending
- on a lighter note, Uncle Hick is less likely to be caught drink-driving :)
- right now, travel is possible and visits may be planned for the near future - no extra arranging required. Mid-late December is also a very expensive time to travel, even when possible
- the above does not preclude the observation of religious rituals. These seem to be more of a personal issue and distinct from the partying and present-giving in some manner! Besides, Christmas carols can be sung any time of year no?
- might the long-lost and lamented 'Spirit of Christmas' be hiding in an early celebration? Why not?
All photos @barge. Taken Summer 2018 in and around Edinburgh.
Nicely written my friend. We’re actually hoping to take a holiday around Christmas. We missed our London trip in April’ causing much disappointment for Freya in particular as we’d bought tickets for a show for her birthday. It would be pretty awful if Christmas were cancelled too, but I see where you’re coming from. The degree of public acquiescence is beyond the pale.
The drums are certainly banging......hope to see YOU b4 xmas anyhow 😂
HIVE.D!
Excellent Peace @barge ... And merry X-Mas.
I was wondering if you'd be open to a humble commission request? I was hoping to update these original works to reflect the new direction of our Blockchain. Would you entertain the idea of casting your own trademarked variants?
Noel ♨️😎🥓🐝
LOL and thanks FB 🙏.
I'm delighted you ask my friend, pls accept first instalment of an early X-mas prez :)...will defo follow with some more soon...text & alteration suggestions/requests gladly taken, will anyway just cast some barge variants!
HELLOFA GREAT START!!
😎
👍 and a couple more along larger but similar lines...
LOL2
below a correction (fire), a variation and, well, perhaps a hint of the mystery :)
@barge!
These are fantastic! Ive already used a few of your others this last week with great results. This third one by far as the best juju with the Hookah smokin catapillar. HIGHEST Regards for your efforts. Be prepared to meet a few new interested parties soon. Kind regards Bruv!