As we enjoy our own versions of Christmas in the week to come, with our own rituals, let us keep one eye on the past, for in doing so, we might find something even more beautiful in the years to come.
What a fabulous post, David. My Dad came from a very poor family of 13, he always told us every year he received an orange and a walnut for Christmas but he never got the Golly badge from Robertsons jam that he always wanted. One year we wrapped up a huge box and watched with glee as he unwrapped his present. I don't think I have ever seen a grown man so happy! Simple pleasures David, they can't be beaten. Thank you for all your support this year, I hope 2025 brings you every success, you deserve it. Happy Christmas x
Gosh this could not be closer to what my heart feels. I crave simplicity, tradition and calm this Christmas. I feel the same when I went into Sainsbury’s this week, bad tempered people who frowned at me when I dared to stop and look at a sandwich (I’d only popped in for lunch). It did get me thinking why people put themselves through it when it so clearly does not make them happy. Nowt as queer as folk I suppose :)
Thank you so much for sharing that video from 1973 with the three women, I loved it so much! I sent it to my dad, and I am absolutely going to watch it again. I wanted to hear more of their stories, they were so interesting!
Thank you for these wonderful insights into Christmases past! I found each video fascinating and appreciated your insights into the beauty of each. Here’s to a Christmas of softness and simplicity! ✨
I'm not sure that we can blame people. Take overflowing trollies - when I was a child in the 60s family lived close by, or if they didn't travel was impossible, so each household celebrated on their own and maybe gathered for Boxing Day tea. Today those families are likely to live in different parts of the country and gather in one place for xmas, so the person hosting is buying food for many people and catering for all of their food choices. More people are busy at work and so will be taking shortcuts with food and presents where they can. We can blame modern life, Capitalism, Tesco etc but to call it vile seems to be shifting blame to those with those overflowing trollies.
Perfectly written and I so agree with overload and too much buying at Christmas. I struggle with the energy surrounding me at this time of year - all the rushing. But we do at least have a choice not to join in and to mark ( or not mark) Christmas in our own quiet ways 🎄
Thank you 🙏✨ Yes, I know what you mean. I’m happy to let everyone else rush around and seek stillness…although not always easy to avoid that busy energy.
I would happily remove the gifting from Christmas! Make foodie gifts etc. maybe gifts for children. gathering over good food and good company, honouring traditions, everyone stepping out of ordinary life for a few days together, that’s the real gift.
I had a similar experience at Tesco recently but the car park was worse! A driver pulled out suddenly and I nearly crashed into him. Another was going the wrong way on a one way street. People were stressed, impatient and aggressive.
I remember my grandmother telling me how excited she was to receive an orange in her stocking - and what a treat that was. Funny in these days to think of an orange as a treat but it speaks to simpler time where things were really valued and appreciated. I hope you and Clementine have a wonderful, simple Christmas! 😁
Tales from the Green Valley is such a great series, I discovered it thanks to a friend and I really enjoy rewatching it from time to time.
This week in the office I kept getting asked what my plans for the holidays were and it was always funny seeing people "disappointment" when I simply replied:
"Just a tea with a couple of friends and our elementary school teacher, an afternoon in the city with a friend looking at the Christmas lights and Christmas day with my small family. For the rest, I'll relax at home or take walks"
"Oh...but are you travelling for New Years Eve, right?"
"Uh no"
"Not going away for the Holidays then?"
"No"
"Ah..." (insert forced smile here)
Honestly, I'm actually looking forward to my "non exciting" plans! I tried only once travelling during the Holidays and I disliked every minute, for me it's all about home and family so let's have a simple Christmas :)
What a fabulous post, David. My Dad came from a very poor family of 13, he always told us every year he received an orange and a walnut for Christmas but he never got the Golly badge from Robertsons jam that he always wanted. One year we wrapped up a huge box and watched with glee as he unwrapped his present. I don't think I have ever seen a grown man so happy! Simple pleasures David, they can't be beaten. Thank you for all your support this year, I hope 2025 brings you every success, you deserve it. Happy Christmas x
Such happy memories 🎄✨🙏
Gosh this could not be closer to what my heart feels. I crave simplicity, tradition and calm this Christmas. I feel the same when I went into Sainsbury’s this week, bad tempered people who frowned at me when I dared to stop and look at a sandwich (I’d only popped in for lunch). It did get me thinking why people put themselves through it when it so clearly does not make them happy. Nowt as queer as folk I suppose :)
So glad this resonated with you 🙏✨
Thank you so much for sharing that video from 1973 with the three women, I loved it so much! I sent it to my dad, and I am absolutely going to watch it again. I wanted to hear more of their stories, they were so interesting!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄
Thank you so much 🙏✨ I’m glad you enjoyed it; I find it so heartwarming to hear their charming tales of Christmases past 🎄
Thank you for these wonderful insights into Christmases past! I found each video fascinating and appreciated your insights into the beauty of each. Here’s to a Christmas of softness and simplicity! ✨
Thank you so much 🙏✨
I'm not sure that we can blame people. Take overflowing trollies - when I was a child in the 60s family lived close by, or if they didn't travel was impossible, so each household celebrated on their own and maybe gathered for Boxing Day tea. Today those families are likely to live in different parts of the country and gather in one place for xmas, so the person hosting is buying food for many people and catering for all of their food choices. More people are busy at work and so will be taking shortcuts with food and presents where they can. We can blame modern life, Capitalism, Tesco etc but to call it vile seems to be shifting blame to those with those overflowing trollies.
Perfectly written and I so agree with overload and too much buying at Christmas. I struggle with the energy surrounding me at this time of year - all the rushing. But we do at least have a choice not to join in and to mark ( or not mark) Christmas in our own quiet ways 🎄
Thank you 🙏✨ Yes, I know what you mean. I’m happy to let everyone else rush around and seek stillness…although not always easy to avoid that busy energy.
I would happily remove the gifting from Christmas! Make foodie gifts etc. maybe gifts for children. gathering over good food and good company, honouring traditions, everyone stepping out of ordinary life for a few days together, that’s the real gift.
Yes, absolutely!
I had a similar experience at Tesco recently but the car park was worse! A driver pulled out suddenly and I nearly crashed into him. Another was going the wrong way on a one way street. People were stressed, impatient and aggressive.
How ghastly! I’m glad that as a non-driver, I don’t have to contend with that.
I remember my grandmother telling me how excited she was to receive an orange in her stocking - and what a treat that was. Funny in these days to think of an orange as a treat but it speaks to simpler time where things were really valued and appreciated. I hope you and Clementine have a wonderful, simple Christmas! 😁
Likewise 🙏🌿🎄
Tales from the Green Valley is such a great series, I discovered it thanks to a friend and I really enjoy rewatching it from time to time.
This week in the office I kept getting asked what my plans for the holidays were and it was always funny seeing people "disappointment" when I simply replied:
"Just a tea with a couple of friends and our elementary school teacher, an afternoon in the city with a friend looking at the Christmas lights and Christmas day with my small family. For the rest, I'll relax at home or take walks"
"Oh...but are you travelling for New Years Eve, right?"
"Uh no"
"Not going away for the Holidays then?"
"No"
"Ah..." (insert forced smile here)
Honestly, I'm actually looking forward to my "non exciting" plans! I tried only once travelling during the Holidays and I disliked every minute, for me it's all about home and family so let's have a simple Christmas :)
I’m all for non-exciting plans! Give me a simple Christmas any day ✨