As is traditional around here, I had fully intended to write a Christmas post in the run-up to the big day but blow me down, our internet went on the blink at the start of the week. The good news is that an engineer came to fix the problem a few hours ago so we are now up and running again and catching up with things that should have been done a few days ago.
Last month I had said that reading hour was going to be replaced by writing hour for the foreseeable, and that worked well in November. December is a really busy month however so my reading and writing has suffered over the last few weeks. A lot of this is because of the social whirl that comes with volunteering. I’ve mentioned before that I now volunteer in a charity shop, but not just any charity shop, our local hospice is funded partly by all the good work done in the 15 shops scattered around the Highlands and I’m based at our HQ, the massive warehouse that could rival Amazon’s where the good people of Inverness come to donate things they no longer need. There is a large shop attached to the warehouse where I now work two days a week and this month I’ve also worked in the pop-up Christmas Bazaar set up in our local shopping mall. I love it and have made loads of new friends – ladies of a certain age to be sure, but ladies who all have a bit of a spark to them and know how to enjoy life. Last Friday we had the Warehouse Christmas Party, I also had a bit of a do at the actual hospice itself (a very welcoming and cheerful place) and next month we have a fancy meal out. It’s like being back in the workplace again with all the benefits that brings but without the office politics, and the pay check!
Some of the shop windows
But here we are at Christmas Eve and I haven’t yet shared a festive song – lord knows they’ve been played enough on the radio over the last month. I’m inclined to go for something by Paul McCartney as I was chuffed to see footage of him sharing the stage this week with his old mate Ringo Starr. It had been the last night of Paul’s tour so Ringo obliged by joining him on the drums. Considering they are now aged 82 and 84 respectively it warms the soul to know they are still out there doing what they love. We have people who work for our charity shops at the same age so no need to slow down if you don’t have to.
It’s a bit twee this song, but it did well for Paul in the run-up to Christmas 1979 and was the first single he released after Wings came to an end. It peaked at No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and was accompanied by a very festive video of Paul and Linda having a Wonderful Christmastime.
I hope all my followers and blogging buddies have a wonderful Christmastime too. Someone who is missed on the blogs right now is our pal John from Are We There Yet? He’s a bit poorly at the moment so his Christmas will be severely challenged this year but we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.
I will be going to DD’s for Christmas dinner this year. This is her first one in her new house so both ourselves and the in-laws have been invited along. No cooking for me tomorrow which is a big bonus. I shall enjoy being waited on by others – it’s payback time for all those years of having done it myself. Have a good one everyone.
Until next time…
Wonderful Christmastime Lyrics
(Song by Paul McCartney)
The mood is right
The spirit’s up
We’re here tonight
And that’s enough
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
The party’s on
The feeling’s here
That only comes
This time of year
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
The choir of children sing their song
Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, ding
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
We’re simply having a wonderful Christmastime
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
The word is out
About the town
To lift a glass
Oh, and don’t look down
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
Simply having a wonderful Christmastime
What's It All About? 
Have a great holiday season, Alyson!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same to you Rick – have a good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great post, song choice…and reason for having less time to write this month. Volunteering is so much more than can ever be captured in a job description or summary and it’s lovely to read that you’re getting so much out of it.
It’s been so good to read regular posts from you, even though I’ve been following for a relatively short time, it always makes me smile when I get a prompt that a new post is up.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a chance for others to give to you. Enjoy every moment, Alyson!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your kind words K. This one was dashed off quickly but I just wanted to carry on the tradition of writing a Christmas post.
Have a wonderful day tomorrow with the rest of the Clan at Casa K.
LikeLike
HAPPY CHRISTMAS ALYSON!!!! Hope you, Mr WIAA, DD, Mr DD and the in-laws have a great time tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same to you Ernie. As an International Man of Mystery you will no doubt be keeping a low profile tomorrow, but whatever you do, hope you have a lovely day.
LikeLike
Oh, I’m just in time to wish you and yours a very happy Christmas…. A lovely post too, have a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same to you C. Have a lovely day.
LikeLike
Hi Alyson. Paul and Ringo aren’t on stage together all too often, so that recent occasion was a special one. Happy New Year to you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really aren’t so yes, it was special. All the best to you and Sandy too.
LikeLike
Hope you had a lovely Christmas, Alyson.
I wonder how much CC has offered to bribe you for a first look at the charity CD donations in the warehouse…
LikeLike
I did Rol – no cooking for me this year as DD did us proud. Hope you did too.
Every time I see the vast boxes of records I think of CC. He would love to have a rummage through them ahead of them making it through to the shops. Bribery might be an option!
LikeLike