Christmas is of course about the birth of Christ although you would never think it judging from the rampant consumerism that grips the nation. Some, who are less fortunate cannot indulging in the feeding frenzie that goes on. I think it is important we remember that. And what about Bethlehem? nothing changes only the uniforms.
This year we mourned the death of Auntie Elsie, and Mick and I spent Christmas with her sister, my mother-in-law because there was a big empty space at the heart of her family. I was fortunate to be given a brooch (I am a collector) of an Elephant which had been Elsie's I was touched to have been given it - for me the perfect item to remember with since Elephants never forget. She was in all our hearts.
I was sorry to hear of the death of James Brown the Godfather of Soul on Christmas Day - his words, "I feel Good" I my mantra for obvious reasons. I suspect he is singing in heaven and rocking the joint. We also lost Charlie Drake this Christmas and I suspect he is teaching God some prat falls.
This year I have been very lucky, oh yes I have (oh no you haven't, it's behind you) that is to say in true Panto style I can only think of postives. Like.... catching up with old school friends on Friends Reunited, Orville and Paul. Learning a lot about myself has been crucial. I have been busy looking at nature to give myself a much needed boost. My sister in law Elaine, has been unfailing in her phone calls to cheer me up. My brother and sister in law Gill have watched over Mum because I could not get to visit as much as I would wish. This is what I call team work. I phone Mum everyday to have a chat and to check she is ok.
Mick has been a brick, and working very hard - the farm shop has been interesting to say the least. I could not have made it through without him. We are the couple who 'bicker' but stay together because it's fun and we are a great team.
Christmas has not been free of sadness this year for others. I was so sad to hear of the death of the pilots and passengers of a helicopter in Morecombe Bay. The deaths of soldiers and civilians elsewhere in the world.
I was glad to read that the stupid ruling about not being able to convict for rape where the victim is drunk isto be dealt with by the government. Some men have hidden for to long behind this defence. Consent should be informed consent and when you are drunk you cannot give this. I am not so much concerned about the introduction of drugs into drink, the problem is that in the current climate drinks are mixed when a person has had one or two becoming doubles or even trebles in some instances. The Sex Offences Act 2004 did already deal with the issue of consent and this has not be used correctly in the courts. You have to know what you are consenting to for it to be valid, and with whom you are consenting to do it with. It is just another form of force and a way to move blame. To have sex with another who is too drunk to know what is happening or give correct consent is an abuse of trust and a shame on those who do this. They seek then to shift the blame for their actions on the victim. I do believe however that where a woman is proved to have lied about rape, that is, made a false claim deliberately then she should be named, in order to protect genuine victims.
What Christmas is about? well Christ actually.
Love from Granny.
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