We hope you’ve all had a really lovely Christmas with some gorgeous gatherings and gifts, and are now gearing up for an equally happy new year...
The children are whacked and I am too after all the festivities and fabulous food. But I think our mellow mood is also because it’s that strange time of year when nothing feels quite how it should. The Christmas lights are still twinkling but there’s a certain sadness in the air that the magic is now over! Early mornings, late nights, plus too much indulgence in bubble-filled beverages have also taken their toll and all we need now is the sofa, some peace and for things to feel ‘normal’ once more.
Unfortunately however, there isn’t much normality going around. Don’t bother attempting a trip to the shops to feel normal again. After battling to park (using your best death stare against that space stealer behind you) you must battle to simply get in to the shops, never mind look what’s on offer or God forbid, buy anything. If you are lucky enough to spot a gap in the crowds however, don’t make the same mistake I always do, namely grabbing anything that looks remotely like a bargain. If it’s something you wouldn’t look twice at were it full price, it will clog up your wardrobe for time immemorial I assure you. Unworn, unloved and tragically unappreciated.
I wouldn’t bother going for a walk in the local park either. You are bound to bump into the world and his wife, including teachers, bank managers, old neighbours and long distant relatives who you have nothing against but have nothing in common with either. The narrow path and obvious nature of your leisurely stroll collectively mean you have little choice but to strike up conversation in your frazzled, sleep-deprived state. Cue cringeworthy small talk bemoaning your recent overindulgence. Too much pudding (hahaha) too much prosecco (hahaha) and that pesky Father Christmas leaving far too many presents and your children’s bedrooms in a mess (more hearty hahhahahahs).
If that doesn’t appeal, then perhaps you should just stay at home. Don’t bother switching on the tele though unless you have a penchant for thrown together programmes all about the year’s ‘shocking celebrity moments’, famous deaths or sporting highlights. Of course, there’s always the World’s Strongest Man to tune into if z-list talking heads isn’t your thing? Oh, what a cynic I am!
How we crave the holidays for months in advance but then, how quickly we wish them away! In my mind, the best way to deal with this no-man’s land segment of the season is simply to seize it with both hands. Make the most of some family time if you’re lucky enough to have everyone together. Let routine go out of the window. Enjoy impromptu gatherings, late afternoon visits to the cinema or perhaps pop into that gallery you walk by every single day but have never once been through its doors. Have cake for tea. Be so of the ordinary that when ordinary does resume, you will embrace it like the old, dependable friend it really is. Your usually muted January will be but a distant nightmare!
From all of us here at Little Lucy Willow we send you our very best wishes for the year ahead and hope you have a very happy, very healthy - and very ‘normal’ - 2017!
