Bah humbug. It’s Christmas

Now, let me explain. It’s not as though my childhood Christmases were terrible. On the contrary, we had the best Christmas celebrations. When I was quite small it followed a regular pattern: a tree from either our own property or a neighbours forest; opening the presents that Santa had so thoughtfully deposited under tree. Breakfast, church and then a lavish christmas lunch  with paternal grandparents and then hopefully a somewhat lighter dinner in the evening with our maternal grandmother or the other way round.

The family farm was evolving and so as we grew older the way we celebrated  Christmas changed. We were all a lot busier around that time, and so there was less emphasis on Christmas per se. Still, not enough for the bah humbug feeling to grow.

That is a very recent phenomenon. One of my annual tasks is the Christmas Card list. I hold the dubious honour of being the one who cajoles and convinces the workforce to sign the cards. Before the cards are even printed, there is THE LIST *. Customers and suppliers, they are all there. Sometimes we get away with just one card for a company, in other instances we have to send a separate card to three or four individuals from the same company. Still, someone has to be in charge of it and make sure that not only are all the right people there, also they are listed under the correct company. Our industry is quite small, and it’s not uncommon for one person to leave an employer and then pop up again working for the competition.

The mere mention of the card list sends my pulse racing. This year we were running late. I thought I had managed to pass the job off to someone else. regrettably, the ball was dropped and ended up in my lap again. Still we got it done, and last night I made the last delivery to the post office with  sending away 27 calendars around the world. Now I can relax and concentrate on my own Christmas.

This year I took the easy way out for the family in Australia. I went on-line and with a click or three, managed to get everything done in time. I believe that all the parcels have arrived in good time. I did miss the wrapping part. I like wrapping. Here is a link to a week full of great wrapping ideas. So I think next year, I’ll get organised early and send presents that I’ve wrapped myself.

Now, it’s almost time to start work. A few more hours and then we pack the car and head to Anoppi’s place. The Christmas Tree! The Christmas Food! The Christmas Sauna! Father Christmas even! Bah humbug my foot 🙂

If you’re taking time away from the blogging sphere, wishing you a very merry Christmas! (Hyvää Joulua!)

 * THE LIST: In our case covers all our customers, suppliers and former employees. Most people receive a card, some lucky ones receive a calendar in the shipping theme.