Once more unto the breach

Trolleys piled up high

like Armageddon is nigh

instead of Christmas

Take a load off. Sit.

Watch the to-ing and fro-ing

chat to the shoppers

about family

grandkids, all the craziness

then frowns turn to smiles

What is it with pre-Christmas grocery shopping? I mean, how many days are the supermarkets closed? One, one day, that’s it. You don’t have to shop like there’s no tomorrow, and there’s certainly no need to stockpile the underground bunker in preparation for an alien invasion, even if the rellies are all heading to your place to eat you out of house and home. We never seem to learn. Those last few frantic days are all too often approached by taking a huge breath and heading out the door with a “gird your loins and charge” attitude.

Surprised myself by being somewhat organised, as final Christmas presents and groceries shopping was completed on the 21^st, a minor miracle for me. I was determined to not go anywhere near anything remotely resembling a shop after that, for wandering around Kmart for a while was enough to give me the jitters and the urge to flee to some quiet cave up in the mountains and bury myself under a blanket until the mayhem died down.

But I pushed through, and I have to admit I do like the process of purchasing gifts, shutting out the distractions while bringing loved ones to mind, pondering over what would bring a smile to their face.

So on this Christmas Eve, whether you’re wrapping gifts, putting your feet up and watching Carols by Candlelight, carolling around the neighbourhood, getting organised for tomorrow’s gathering of family and friends, or gearing up to join community groups which serve those who have no family to connect with, take a moment to remember the arrival of a baby who changed history. How his parents were turned away in their hour of need, and after enduring that, then having to flee the country like refugees in order to protect their child, and find safety elsewhere.

The story might be old, but the circumstances couldn’t be more current.