Great piece. And I'm a Boots three-for-two survivor too. But I'm not with you on the 'it's never men' thing. I've seen plenty of pieces about the misery of being alone at Christmas, aimed squarely at divorced fathers without custody, single elderly men, etc I suppose it depends on the media you consume, and the audience it's aiming at. But I'm sure we both agree, it's awful, irrespective of gender: and it should definitely be equally portrayed as such.
For me it’s also the compelling ‘I’m dreaming of a White Christmas’ Americanisation that showers me in unattainability .
It just isn’t like this … and yet I am still seduced by the general twinkliness and pine forest / cinnamon/ gingerbread glow that emanates from all around with a bewitching sense of ‘C’mon you know you love it .
And so I press my face once more at the (frosted/candlelit) window pane of a hopelessly unrealistic Christmas .
Thanks for writing this. A breath of fresh winter air that will make me feel better as I glance at the 222 gift ideas for less than £30 in yesterdays Guardian.
Christmas and Empty Nest ( x 4) in one hit.
Goodness/ Gosh. Both delivering such a familiar gut punch -but so often unspoken.
You’ve got me .
Here’s to all the non psychopaths !
Thanks .
Jennifer .
Great piece. And I'm a Boots three-for-two survivor too. But I'm not with you on the 'it's never men' thing. I've seen plenty of pieces about the misery of being alone at Christmas, aimed squarely at divorced fathers without custody, single elderly men, etc I suppose it depends on the media you consume, and the audience it's aiming at. But I'm sure we both agree, it's awful, irrespective of gender: and it should definitely be equally portrayed as such.
Oh how I agree.
For me it’s also the compelling ‘I’m dreaming of a White Christmas’ Americanisation that showers me in unattainability .
It just isn’t like this … and yet I am still seduced by the general twinkliness and pine forest / cinnamon/ gingerbread glow that emanates from all around with a bewitching sense of ‘C’mon you know you love it .
And so I press my face once more at the (frosted/candlelit) window pane of a hopelessly unrealistic Christmas .
Thanks for writing this. A breath of fresh winter air that will make me feel better as I glance at the 222 gift ideas for less than £30 in yesterdays Guardian.
Jennifer Love 💕