What is it about this time of year that brings out the extremes in everyone? Me, I’ve been racing around trying to meet everyone I know before I head back to the emerald isle for a few days. I seem to have developed the notion that if I don’t sit in front of my Christmas tree with absolutely everyone I’ve ever met, drinking mulled wine and having lots of seasonal laughter I will never ever get the chance to see them again.
It’s akin to the frantic shopping where we stock up on tonnes and tonnes of food for that one whole day the shops are shut. Panic seems to take over – what if I need a… I don’t know … Jerusalem artichoke and all the shops are shut?!? I also had the misfortune of carrying this notion over to Christmas presents. Instead of logically deciding what I needed and for whom, I have been tearing off buying all sorts of random plastic items and three for two books with the notion that I’d dish them out to the most appropriate sister when the time comes. The problem is that none of my sisters are particularly appropriate. And let’s face it – is there anyone who’d appreciate a lump of plastic in the shape of a reindeer?
So I have decided to force myself to calm down – anyone who wants to see me can just shuffle by at a relaxed pace, it’s not as if the wine is going to run dry after the turn of the year. Of course I get to go through the panic process all over again Irish style in a week’s time – pretty much the same but with Chocolate Kimberley’s and Barry’s Tea on the side. There’s no end to this festive fun… reindeer made in China anyone?
lol. ’tis sooo true. i’m off to dunnes for the 40th time in 2 weeks to see if there’s anything i didn’t know i needed for that one day! Blimey, to think i almost forgot the chocolate kimberleys hehe
I’m strangely envious of your frenzy. I haven’t got all that many friends here to see before I head off for Christmas and then for the holidays themselves we’re not going to be in Ireland, so there’ll be no runnning around for me. I’ll make up for it next year with double the panic.
townygirl – that really is a disaster averted – chocolate kimberley’s are essential. I wonder if I could make my millions importing them into The Netherlands
red – see that’s where random people from the street and shop assistants come in handy – who cares if they don’t know your name – they make you look popular
Barry’s tea and chocolate kimberleys are a great stress relief combo. At least that’s what I’m telling myself every time I help myself to yet another kimberley… Nice you’re getting home early for Christmas too! I always hated flying in on Christmas Eve (although my family loved it, they’re threatening to go to the airport with a banner and adopt a random stranger at arrivals in my absence this year!!)
Isn’t it all in the packaging anyway? Perhaps you could give that plastic reindeer away, with a stylish little card explaining that this is, in fact, a reindeer totem – a precise replica of some ancient Slavonic archaeological artefact – which will help the owner to get in touch with their inner reindeer spirit, and bring a sense of spiritual wholeness. You know, a friend of mine once gave away a cheap bottle of generic brand hazlenut spread and re-labelled it as “sensuous chocolate body sauce.” This is what they mean by great gift “ideas” I think.
Bog standard Kimberleys are a poor substitute for the chocolate versions…
Just thought I’d announce that. Isn’t everyone so much better off for knowing my thoughts on that.
{sigh}
catherine – total stress relief you’re right – until you hope onto the scales a week later hehe
martin – that is a totally fabulous idea. Genius – I’m going to use it
alan – you can’t even get the standards here
I’m going to our new Ikea on Sunday……now that will be extreme running around I’d say….
i do the same thing–buy all kinds of crap thinking i’ll figure out later who to give it to. you’d think i’d learn. none of it is ever a particularly good idea….
I’ve always been Mr Scrooge when it comes to presents. The thought of hours of Christmas shopping fighting through all the millions of other shoppers and never finding what I want made me decide long ago only to buy gifts for one or two well-chosen recipients and that’s it. Though we do have a Secret Santa tradition at work that’s quite fun. D’you know, I’ve never ever had a Chocolate Kimberley – that must be serious child abuse. But I’d settle for the Sensuous Chocolate Body Sauce instead – an absolute brainwave.
Conor, I’m in a position similar to Red’s. Still don’t know many people here. I was planning a party and then said fuck it. And everyone got books and films sent from Amazon.
Good for you for setting limits on the season’s frenzy.
manuel – I don’t envy you – good look – remember to bring a weapon – just in case
laurie – hehe but it is fun deciding who gets what – it’s like being a Presents Red Cross
Nick – funny how christmas always arrives at a different time each year – oh wait it doesn’t – it’s always the same – so no excuse for last minute shopping then hehe only kidding , we all do it
Shopping on the internet helps.
medbh – Amazon is great – I also get stuff sent home so I don’t have to take all the way myself
Have just discovered Kimberlys and now can’t get enough of them. No nutritional value whatsoever but oh so good
Haven’t seen the chocolate ones yet, so will have to go on the prowl.
Good luck with the shopping/relaxing/present giving.
Jen – nutritional value is highly overrated anyways
Just you wait until you discover the chocolate ones though…. there’s no going back!
What are chocolate kimberlys please? Are they from Irealnd? And if they are why have I not been given any to taste?
Tallulahbloom: choc kimberleys are the one thing that prevents Irish people rising up against the Government and overthrowing them for incompetence. They are the people’s confection opiate.
“Rise brothers and sisters and throw off the shackles of your oppressor….but first some more chocolate kimberleys…aww fuck it!” Is this off topic?
In that case I demand a chocolate kimberly NOW!
I just order Jerusalem artichokes from the local shop and pick them up on the 24th. Easy.
tallulahbloom – I’ll bring you some back. The first packets free, but after that ….
73man – hehe I think you might be right. Are they actually the best thing about Ireland I wonder?
Primal – but what if something goes wrong with the order or they set aside the wrong type. I wonder if I should now admit that I wouldn’t recognise a Jerusalem artichoke if it hit me on the head with the Torah
Am I the only person in the world who doesn’t like chocolate Kimberleys?
I just discovered that the expensive Lancome cream I got my aunt costs 15 euros less in Ireland than what I paid for it here. Bah bloody humbug.
Well now you’ve made me feel lazy. And strangely in need of a Jerusalem artichoke…
I know, Conorín! Last year they handed over damned Gazza Strip turnips. I’m expecting Nazarene nachos this year.
@ Caro – Fek the Lancome cream. Give her Coconut Creams. “Kimberly, Mikado and Coconuts Creams – someone you love, will love some too”.
Ooh I like Coconut Creams…
caro – you may indeed be the only one but we still love you seeing as you like coconut creams
Beth – hehe see – it’s this christmas mass hysteria that we all get caught up in
primal – I have that ‘tune’ stuck in my head now – thanks a bunch
I’m with Caro, coconut creams rock. And nambarrie are my tea bag of choice. The panic is the same though. Not at all organised and really dont care today, tomorrow amy well be a different story.
What 1970s rock group took its name from a “very ‘umble person” in David Copperfield?
a) Jethro Tull
b) Judas Priest
c) Led Zeppelin
d) Lynyrd Skynyrd
e) Uriah Heep