I don't want to say Christmas bah humbug! That would not be edifying for a woman of the cloth. But…… and you know from the very first sentence that there is a But.
I am not in the city very often, I do not like the traffic, especially in the rush hour, and at this time of year I find the excesses in the shops rather disturbing. There is constant seasonal music – designed to instil a spend more money now attitude in the customers. There are too many sad streamers, worried faces on people, queues at cash machines and screaming toddlers. How wonderful it was to clear the gridlock at last and head up the northern roads. Very few cars, a beaming benevolent moon and stars that remind me of the star that signalled the very first Christmas. A reminder of what this festival is all about. Things can be peaceful, calm and different – even in the midst of mayhem. I guess I like living in the country.