Marlborough News Guide to Christmas 2016

Christmas: not for everyone
by Jo Carroll
Even those with a deep religious
conviction, for whom the
Christmas story layers the season
with meaning, cannot escape the
shops; the pressure to spend,
spend, spend.
Digger & Mojo
DECORATIVE ANTIQUES, INTERIORS
& CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Christmas is not for everyone -
it’s not compulsory . There - I’ve
said it. And for some that will feel
heretical.
But over the last few years I’ve
learnt that if you don’t smother a
tree in tinsel - nothing happens.
If you don’t remember to send
cards to all the neighbours
and to Great Aunt Nellie, then
nothing happens. And no, I’m
not just being a bah-humbug.
It’s no secret that my husband
died at Christmas. And before
you think ‘that explains why I’m
a misery guts’, there’s others for
whom Christmas means much
more than days off work and
stuffing ourselves with pudding.
And so we have to find our
own way to make sense of the
festival. For me – understanding
that I did not have to join in with
the razzmatazz if I didn’t want
to – was a turning point. I have
friends and family who lovingly
open their doors to me if I want
company. And if I decide to
spend the day on my own - well,
that’s fine too.
Some of you reading this
might be dreading the end of
December and just want the
whole thing to be over. You are
not alone. It takes time to reach
a point where you can have the
Christmas that is right for you.
Remember, Christmas is not
compulsory.
If there is any meaning behind
the Christmas message it is that
we should look after each other.
And that doesn’t mean we have
to stuff our face with mince pies
just because everyone else is.
OUR NEW SHOP AT WOODBOROUGH YARD SN9 5PF
Behind Sticks & Stones Cafe
7 DAYS A WEEK 11-5
YOSH IS STILL RESTORING,
PAINTING & REUPHOLSTERING
YOUR FURNITURE & OURS
AT OUR PEWSEY WORKSHOP
TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10 -5
Digger & Mojo, Unit 9, Salisbury Rd Business Park, Pewsey, SN9 5PZ
01672 562222 /851510 www.diggerandmojo.com