….when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse....which, to be frank, is no surprise if they too have been exposed to the same levels of excessive indulgence that has rendered the household completely motionless in less than 48 hours, with the exception perhaps of the drunken uncle in the armchair who musters an occasional hiccup as a result of too much seasonal sherry…
Yes, Christmas is indeed a time to be jolly but, despite my love for the festivities, after two short days of over indulgence I harbour a secret welcome for the return of normality and wonder ….what is it about the festive season that drives an obligatory urge to eat, drink and be merry without reason?
As soon as we step into the festive spirit, the discipline of our last 51 weeks is long forgotten and from the moment the family unites from Christmas Eve night there begins a steady flow of wine and a constant serving of buffet platters that, although seem like a nibble, are a magnet for 'seconds' and the cause of getting fatter.
Christmas morning is so wrapped in excitement we fail to notice the pre-breakfast enticement as we delve into chocs before 9 o’clock. At this stage it’s practically a shame not to pop open champagne and of course, so not to get too carried away with early morning alcohol, there is smoked salmon brunch to nicely whet our appetite for the pending 5 course lunch and, as we graze from soup to nuts, is constantly washed down with wine topped-up cups.
By the time the evening arrives we have consumed more calories than a full working week but, as we get ready for the arrival of festive visitors and not seen since last year relatives, I consider how much do we succumb to further indulgence only to (medicinally, of course) sustain joy and tolerance?
Come Boxing Day the white flag of surrender is desperate to be flown but is prevented by the seasonal duty to repeat the indulgence at someone else’s home and, as I prepare for yet more Christmas fayre, I wonder …..does the real preparation for our Christmas celebrations maybe require three weeks pre-Christmas starvation?
‘Til next time, Pandora
No comments:
Post a Comment