Here we are in December* on the run up to another Christmas. Time to visit the loft for those decorations ( it doesn’t seem that long that they were consigned to their storage crates), time to prepare seasonal messages, acquire gifts, write Christmas cards and confirm plans and arrangements. So, here’s a start to the festive fun, frivolities and furore.
(*People will know that we are of the view “the festive season” should not start any earlier than December.)
Everyone who know us will be aware that writing a few words in Christmas cards in addition to the greeting to impart news from the preceding year has evolved into a note of a few rhyming verses. This “tradition” is being maintained this year, as is the use of a slideshow to publish the note with a few relevant images.
This year’s offering is in the slide show below, but I also prepared an introductory note for my Facebook page which included with a reprise of some timeless Charteris seasonal cartoons, and prefaced with the flowing introduction…
Blimey if it isn’t time to send out festive wishes and put up decorations
We’ve made it to Christmas, mercifully armed with vaccinations
It’s been another year of ups, downs, complications and fluctuations
But let’s be thankful, because again we prescribe positive expectations
As I start to compose the 2021 festive missive and rhyming conjugations
My mind turns back to last year’s events, thoughts and communications
So while I ponder and hopefully compile something meaningful from my cogitations
Here’s another trip through a few of Charteris’s funny festive illustrations
Now please keep safe, keep happy and await the result of my deliberations
Shortly, we’ll be in touch by means of festive cards and digital communications
The 2021 Christmas message …..
And just if you’d like to read the message, here’s a transcript
1
It is not uncommon at this recuring time of year
To wonder how time just seems to disappear
Cards and gifts were sent when we hunkered down with a restrained festive glow
It feels strange, but it really doesn’t seem 12 months ago
2
It’s become customary this time of year for us to relay greetings and news
In the form of a rhyming note which should hopefully inform and amuse
So, it was necessary to reflect on 2020 and make a few notes
Crucially reviewing last year’s missive to avoid duplicate anecdotes
3
Now that review did provide food for thought and a steer
About what we could say about this “interesting” passing year.
In short it seems that a lot of what we said before
Has retained a pertinence it would be churlish to ignore
4
Common to this closing year and the one that preceded
We altered plans to ensure restrictions were heeded.
With protocols duly followed in a year a vaccine was introduced
We now have been fully jabbed and have even received the boost
5
A keenness to be sensible under prevailing conditions
Means that once more there’s a lid on travel and expeditions
We did manage a trip to Spain in accordance with guidance and advice
Seeing friends and family after so long was really rather nice.
6
Like many, we have turned enforced limitations to some gain
Spending more meaningful time in our local domain
Emphasis on local rather than abroad, visiting favoured locations
Reducing the need for tests and regulated limitations.
7
Now with some relaxation of constraints during 2021
We began to wonder; will next year overseas jaunts be done?
However, it’s clear that this thing is just not going away anytime soon
A lingering pandemic with variants anew, early escape is inopportune
8
So, we are resigned to the fact that certain ambitions and proclivities
(And indeed, the exuberant celebration of seasonal festivities)
Will again need to be reimagined, dialled down or put on hold
With the intention to revive and enjoy before we are too old
9
Talking of resigned, we have some news in relation to employment
This year’s taught us it’s important to make time for more enjoyment
After 9 years at Waitrose, I have finally submitted my resignation
And Jane has moved from the Post Office to Tourist Information
10
Jane continues in her role greeting National Trust visitors with a smile
She’s keeping busy, keeping it local and living the Cotswold style.
And as I’m no longer out delivering in a Waitrose van
There’s happily more time for photography in my life plan
11
As for our George, he continues to delight and brighten each day
It’s amazing to think that only last month was his 3rd Birthday
He loves those “dog-friendly rooms”, and even travelling is no trouble
He fits in so well home or away, an integral part of our family bubble
12
2021 has been better than 2020 of that there is little doubt
A good deal of staying in, interspersed with a bit of going out
For next year let’s hope for more get-togethers and achieving more circulation
Sharing an aim for a new year of more enjoyment and less complication
13
As before these annual verses are intended to be informative and upbeat
Full of news about excursions, often extoling the pleasures of places to eat
Of wines enjoyed, people met, and locations captured in camera and in mind
For next year the intention is no different, of that we are, ironically, even more resigned.
14
So, in this season of good will, we are sending lots and lots of festive cheer
Although I won’t be one of the fine folk actually delivering your wine and beer.
This is a message to impart sincere positive thoughts, good wishes and love to all of you
In the confident belief that we will all enjoy an even better and uncomplicated 2022.
The cartoons are here……
Add an added bonus….here’s a few photos taken during our visit to this years’ Christmas market at Chatsworth in Derbyshire….
And for completeness, here’s our New Year Message for 2022
The path ahead to 2022
What lies on the path ahead. we may well ponder
It might be a defined route or an arbitrary wander.
Using what should be common sense when all is said and done
We should take note of lessons learned in 2021.
There’s that thing about not seeing the wood for the trees
And we know the New Year will come with no guarantees .
We’re still looking to take the path to reach goals and desires
Mindful to enjoy and make the most of what transpires.
In last year’s message positivity was the theme we wanted to convey
Looking back tells us it’s a tenet we should reiterate today.
So, let’s all take care and be wise in the path we tread
With shared zeal and optimism for good times ahead.
Enjoy the journey, making the best of whatever may ensue
Here’s to good health and happiness for us all in 2022.