The standard wisdom is that, in our increasingly commercialised world, Christmas begins earlier and earlier every year. And, frankly, it’s true, as will be attested to by anyone who has walked into a garden centre in mid-October, only to find themselves surrounded by a tinsel-bedecked festive display complete with singing reindeer. The temptation is to stick your hands over your ears, shout ‘la la la, can’t hear you’ and ignore the whole kaboosh right up until the day itself.
But let’s break away from this familiar scene. Picture instead that magic moment – typically on Christmas Eve for many of us – when, with all the manic seasonal hustle and bustle done, one can actually sit down, pause a little and reflect on the occasion and what it really means. A glass of something special usually helps as, of course, does the perfect choice of music.
