Merry Christmas! .
If there was a small destitute roaming the (bright and sunny) streets this morning, I would assuredly be yelling out my window that he should run and buy a goose – the biggest goose he can find – and throwing him 2 shillings.
I am an urepentant fan of this day, and of the redemptive story that is “a Christmas Carol”.
Fortunately for me there are no handy street urchins, fortunate because;
a/ There is nowhere open to buy a Goose (that’s me living in a nexus of three major supermarkets – or, on reflection, BECAUSE I live in the nexus of 3 major supermarkets)
b/ I’m not certain todays urchins would know what to do with a Goose, or necessarilly what a Goose was.
c/ I suspect 2 shillings would not go very far in the Goose market (might have been a half sovereign in the book, now I think about it, although I’m still not seeing that stretching to the “biggest Goose” you can find.)
d/ In 2021, I fear the likely dialogue would be “F### #ff Mister, got a fiver for some Buckfast?”
Still, it’s the sentiment of peace and goodwill to all, and a full plate (of Goose/Turkey/Nut Roast) and the idea that even the damned can be saved, and one good act can turn around the world – or at least those bits of the world you can reach.
Uncommonly, I am NOT working this year, so, although I will, as ever, be wearing Maximum Christmas (which would be a great aftershave, don’t you think?), I will not be dealing first hand with the legions of; NHS staff, Cleaners, Volunteers, Hospitality and Transport sector workers, who do not get today (or at least – all today) with their famillies, and will often have no choice but to taxi to and from their employment.
Never the less, I’d like to give a festive shout out to those who must work today, almost all of whom are doing so to look after -in some manner- the needs of the rest of us.
“Thank you, Christmas Elves! god bless you, each and everyone”
I’m off to wrap some tinsle round my hat.
Next week on IaDL ; back to callous and cynical.
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 