Sans Soleil

I refer, of course, to the weather, as well as that amazing film by Chris Marker. The weather is horrid.

I think I complain every year about not feeling very much in the Christmas spirit. This year is a particularly bad one. I haven't even made Christmas cards. This probably wouldn't be so bad if I had bought some instead, but I haven't done that either.

Perhaps I can whip myself up into a Christmas frenzy by listing what I have done thus far:

1. I did finish the numbers on the kids' advent stockings, so that's something, I suppose. I was very irritated to see similar ones on the cover of a magazine last month.


2. I have started making dresses for Andrew's nieces. Their mother will probably send them (the dresses, not the children) to Vinnies by the New Year, but I don't especially care.


3. I have wrapped the presents that we've organised so far, but not with much enthusiasm or creativity. The sideboard is a temporary holding space. They will go under the tree when we get it on Monday.


4. I have made 24 personalised gingerbread people for Phoebe's class. Phoebe and her friend Sisca made the labels.


5. I have attended the street Christmas drinks. Fortunately there is no photo.

6. I have put up the Christmas lights and a rather lame wreath. They are not worth photographing.

Nup, that hasn't worked. Maybe the list of what I HAVEN'T done will shame me into action:

1. I haven't finished my Christmas shopping, despite dragging the kids into town with me on Wednesday. I thought it might be fun. It wasn't.

2. I haven't made a gingerbread house.

3. I haven't FINISHED the niece dresses. Or started the nephew elephant.

4. I haven't finished the quilts I am making for the kids.

5. And I haven't made, bought or posted ANY Christmas cards.

In my defence, I have been working. A lot. On large and boring jobs. But hey, it's finance and I still HAVE work, so I should be grateful, right?

It is true. I am the bastard lovechild of The Grinch and Scrooge.