The tacky side of Xmas?

Xmas used to be all about Santa, Morcambe and Wise, James Bond, Dad getting pissed up, Mum making him "wear" his Xmas dinner, opening presses, putting up cheap decorations, sending cards to people you hardly know and don't actually care much for, a few days off, (or double time if you were on the rota) and watching a panto.

All the time though there were those out to ruin it, and they seem to be getting more vocal.

Some tacky story about a woman on a donkey explaining to her husband why a) she was a virgin and b) she still is, despite evidence to the contrary. These people want us to forget Xmas pud, socks and after shave wrapped in paper and getting pissed up. They reckon you can't "celebrate" Xmas unless you buy into their tacky side of Xmas, something to do with Jesus. (Strange, I only use that word when catching my fingers in the fridge door.)

Tell 'em to get lost. I do.

I suppose the thrust, if you are still reading this diatribe, is that there is no such thing as tacky. You have fond nostalgia for whatever your childhood Xmas was, or what your memory wants you to believe it was. If that was on your knees feeling guilty in a drafty church or that was watching the grown ups preteen to like each other, it was still Xmas.

The chrome trim on my car is tacky too. I bought it in May though, so not sure if tackiness and date sit well together?

Xmas isn't about God, Jesus or any other deity. It is about recreating your better Xmas experiences. I have friends who follow faiths other than Christianity, and many more like me, not a member of any such club. You know what? We all celebrate it. Not because we buy into an idealised belief but because we are capable of enjoying ourselves and a few days where everybody is enjoying themselves too sound like a good time to do so.

Try organising a party in mid January and you will see what I mean...