Ba Humbug to Christmas-- for now!

I am sure I am not alone wondering if there is a correlation between festive fatigue and the fact that some people bedeck their houses and businesses in ever increasing numbers of decorations closer and closer to summer every year! It was amazing how noticeable it was last week when I was in Switzerland where houses were not really noticeably christmasy and when I asked I was told it was normal for the decorations to go up 12 days before Christmas- a bit like it used to be here in Scotland but not now!!

In fact when I was in London during the first week of November for a meeting at the Dorchester I was amazed to see the tree and tinsel already in place. Luckily there was no christmas carols bellowing from the rafters or I think I would have had to walk!! Anyway this year we will not be decorating the house until the last possible opportunity as we have had a Special request from a guests who is escaping for a quiet weekend of reflection before the onslaught of Christmas at the end of next week. Clearly I was happy to oblige although my Mother has a different view. She would prefer to put up the decorations in private when the hotel is closed and as far from Christmas as possible so if we have forgotten anything then there is time to rectify it.

The positive side however for her is that we will all offer to help and by doing so will see the immense work she puts into the operation and rather than standing on the sidelines commenting we may be able to lend a hand and it will also teach us why we spend so much time carefully taking down the arrangements so that next December we can find exactly what we are looking for ! Anyway its not that we are scrooge and humbug about Christmas- indeed it is a wonderful time of year for Eriska as the House lends itself to a house party atmosphere- no papers, stress or rushing simply reklaxation and enjoyment.

Anyway there is only so much Festive spirit to go round that we would prefer to keep it concentrated on the 12 days around Christmas and New Year and I am sure others agree - There is only so much Ho ho ho's and Jolly Japes that Chay can manage!!