Christmas is a very different time of year to everyone. There are those who hold families dear through all kinds of turbulence (and usually at their own cost) just to hold things together, because of an insecurity usually. They make the family the “God”, which is unfortunate, because they forget that family are not a god but only humans as well as themselves. They cannot be a proper family because they expect each member of the family to conduct themselves in their respective role. If they could allow for the fact that each member of the family was a human being like themselves, and they accepted everyone for who they are and not who they were expected to be, they would have a lovely, friendly Xmas.
This Xmas 2008 is a very different xmas to the last 10 years we have experienced, regardless of what you do for a living. The truth is everyone is nervous as hell. Every time you turn on the internet, open a newspaper or watch the news on TV it’s about billions, trillions and an economic crisis, which for a lot of people is a foreign language. There are a few things that we should not forget, regardless of circumstances, in my humble opinion, and here they are:
- We were born with nothing and if we die with nothing, we can’t have lost anything.
- The stupid throw presents at their loved ones with money and without imagination in the good times.
- The trick is to see the positive side to any situation and to be confident enough to drive through it as best you can, knowing that we
are all in the same boat. There are no exceptions, only attitude. - The best song that was ever written was “It aint what you do, it’s the way that you do it“.
- Any man that appears cocky at a time like this is the most vulnerable of all.
- The most possitive side to this economic depression is that instead of throwing stupid presents at each other, we will be able to give the most precious gift of all to those we claim to love, which is our time and our touch. “Back to basics” – which is the best way and always has been. Only greed and materialism blocked some people´s vision, and now they have been pressurised to wake up. Very positive.
We at Charlies hope that we can give people a break or holiday or a place to recharge their batteries so that they can face whatever it is they need to face with a smile, regardless of how difficult or how nervous they are.
We wish all our customers that we have met over the last two years a very close Xmas and a peaceful New Year and that you all celebrate this Xmas with compassion, patience and tolerance as best you can – but never forgetting that you’re human!!!!
And we at Charlies will try to improve on attitude and music!
F*ck it, I should have deleted that last bit. 
HAPPY XMAS!
well said Barry. I’ve just been to the local supermarket to attempt to use the speedbank and cauld hardly get near the place. People pushing 2 trollies overflowing with shite that they’ll never eat.Tins of quality street under they’re arms, Knowing full well no one eats the green triangles or the crunchy nut thingys. Its turned in to a competition who can spend the most.
Heres what I’m doing (interested? erm…) I’m cooking christmas dinner for a bunch of great lads and ladies(?) from the pub who would normally be on theyre own (divorcees, Fathers for justice, sad bastards and a policeman). A secret santa draw has been completed and the most you are allowed to spend on your nominee is £10. The wip round for food has been set at £20 per person and I’m throwing in a free bar. £30 quid buys you a 3 course feed, a pair of socks, a belly full of booze and a day of laughter and friendship-THATS CHRISTMAS.
Barry, I hope you and your fantastic team have a very merry christmas with a healthy and happy new year to follow. See you next year. Boyd
Murph,
You always told me I was the pencil pusher!
Seems like you are the literary one reading these blogs.
As usual, you get to the heart of the matter.
Regards
Ray