Festive Serenity….

That would be the ability to handle the festive season in such a manner as not to become stressed, irate and generally fed up with the whole thing. Festive serenity for me swing’s wildly between the cosy bustling comfort of Ma Larkin’s kitchen to the effortless sophistication of a Nigella festive dinner party, and it is more than likely this wild swinging which causes my own festive serenity to elude me.

As I sit, surrounded by copies of festive edition Living Etc stuffed to bursting with festive tips and revelations on how to achieve perfection and with Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas still etched into mind, it is difficult, not only to reach my mince pies and glass of wine, but also difficult to reach a decision on any festive related aspect.  And so I sit and ponder festive serenity, something I think I’m hoping to not only pinpoint, but to achieve…

And with my Christmas ideal swinging so wildly from the farmhouse kitchen, plates laden with home-baked Christmas goodies snowy mince pies, nestling tightly for table space with home-made pork pies, Kilner jars bursting with flavour-some chutney and preserves, bottles of home steeped cordial, beautifully labelled and all jostling for attention, platters of cheese and home-baked bread,  the Christmas tree just visible through the sitting room doors, decorated by excited children, the radio playing Christmas songs, neighbours and family just drop by and are welcomed effortlessly to share such vast edible bounty washed down with great jugs of cider and real ale, mulled wine wafting spicily  through the air.  The house is warm in spirit and roaring log fire crackles in the hearth.  I am to be found contentedly popping goodies in and out of the oven, topping up drinks, rosy-cheeked and merry.

But then on the other hand… Christmas serenity could also be beautiful ornaments hanging from a eco-tree, urban location, cast iron fireplaces crammed with candles providing soft shadowy light, friends around for carefully thought out dinner parties thrown with effortless glamour and sophistication, contemporary glasses containing Bombay Sapphire Gin and iced cranberries, carefully made canapes placed generously around the lounge, smells from the range cooker would indicate a beautifully roasted beef joint was nearing perfection and about to be served.  Strings of tiny red lights gather to light up the dull corners, candles cram every spare space, chill out music plays low-level in the background, children are tucked up in bed and sleeping soundly….

And then there is the gifts… hand-made chutney’s or soaps, cordials, home-brewed wine, baskets of freshly baked cranberry cookies or should it be gift boxes of chain store duplicates? all wrapped in ultra-stylish colours & textures or eco-chic newspaper… piled divinely and artistically awaiting opening by grateful recipients.

And this serenity… is it ever going to be achieved? Hmmm I’m thinking not, I’m thinking it only exists within films, television shows, magazines and adverts… the state of festive serenity is entirely fictional a state of unachievable media induced hype and leads me to believe it is no wonder by Christmas Eve the number for the Samaritans is scrolling over the bottom of TV screens!  Everyone is sat at home, thinking everyone else is having a fabulous sparkly good time.

And so this year I’ve decided I won’t be pursuing the perfect festive serenity, I’ll simply just be enjoying what I have and not wishing I had what I want, and shall be going with the flow, taking enjoyment in the simple things in life, spending time with husband and children and will not be putting in the mammoth effort that seems to be a prerequisite of the modern-day Christmas!!

So Bah Humbug to your perfect media dream Christmas mine will just be whatever way it comes & I intend to love it!