Seasonal thoughts for 2007

Published on 28th December 2006 in Letters

Sir - So, Christmas had been upon us once again - and am I the only one getting progressively depressed as the years go by?

I seem to remember, in the past, a festive ten days where presents were secretly bought and were given much hard work and a little love, where staying at home with the family was something to cherish, where a small tipple was to be savoured, where the traditional Christmas dinner was looked forward to with anticipation and and appetite to match.

What do we have nowadays? Christmas kicks in just about when the plane lands after your summer holiday and is constantly rammed down one's gullet in the name of sales figures; gifts are bartered, arranged and agreed in the name of need. I was in a shop last week with the woman saying to her husband: "Well, are you going to choose which one you want for Christmas, or what?" Very festive!

Getting as much alcohol down your neck, whether to dull the event, be macho or just plain 'because it's the done thing' and buying more food and groceries than could be eaten in a month of Sundays. Hands up all those who will be throwing away more than they've scoffed.

Aunty Beeb and the lame ITV will be entertaining you with the same crappy repeats we watched a month ago - and I swear if Morecambe and Wise get resurrected again I've a very handy brick. I'm also taking bets on whether summer holidays 2007 or Weightwatchers make the first advert over Christmas viewing.

And for those exclaiming "Well, it's for the kids really" - is it, really?

I suppose being cynical comes with age. I dare say I was at it with the best of them on Christmas Day and no doubt I will be at the New Year, so here are my top resolutions for 2007:

1. Lose 450 politicians of all parties.

2. Base Government on a meritocracy and not because he/she went to the right school or has the odd handshake.

3. Take care of OUR pensioners and old folks and sod prisoners' and bogus immigrants' human rights.

4. Don't let any more of our gallant soldiers die in a foreign field for no just cause.

And, finally, let 2007 be a more peaceful and prosperous year for us all.

A Happy New Year to all.

Andy Walton

Pinfold Street, Howden

P.S I see that the local council are still persisting with those two old phallic Christmas illuminations on Pasture Road at the junction with Centenary Road - or is it me?