It’s that time of year when we’re supposed to be selfless…forgive, forget, and be thankful or thoughtful of those that might not be doing as well as we are. This is paired with a massive spike in consumerism within the retail industry. The service industry in general sees an upturn in trade. In some establishments, the daily takings could double, even quadruple at this time of year.

Christmas (or Socially Awkward Annual Gift Day as I prefer to call it) in the Christian household is not really a big, long, drawn-out affair. This is due to the fact that I work in a busy, famous, riverside pub-restaurant in rural South Devon, and I was working every day except Christmas Day and the following Sunday. So, we made the most of a day off together and while the world sat around waiting patiently to see if they’d received this year’s must -have, short lived fad, Mrs Bob & me video-called our daughter and granddaughter to wish them a very happy Christmas. Our granddaughter has just turned 2-years-old and is getting very talky, so it was great fun to be able to interact with her and her mum and dad on Christmas Day.

We also went to our favourite beach, as we have done every Christmas Day since I first met Mrs Bob. It’s our tradition, and it turned out that this year we weren’t the only ones. It was full of well-meaning, well-wishing people and many zillions of happy pups zooming around. If I had a pound for every greeting of “Merry Christmas” I’d have £30-35 or thereabouts. Look, I know you’re only trying to be festive and nice to a rather gangly, socially awkward bi-ped, so I’m not going to get grumpy like some autistic Grinch. Just please note that I won’t respond with the same because …. any number of reasons. I can’t speak to strangers as it takes a while to process, then to form a response that won’t offend them then deliver it… oh wait, the moment’s passed and I now seem rude or moody. Or I’m just having a stuttering non-verbal issue and I’m self-conscious. Mrs Bob did all the smiling, greetingy stuff for both of us, so all was well.

We took the usual selfie with the sea and took time to breathe and centre ourselves before driving home. The rest of the day was spent at home, just the two of us, and Dog. If it seems strange to do that, it’s because I was only off Christmas Day and wanted to make the most of a day and night alone with Mrs Bob. This meant a glorious roast turkey, all the trimmings, mince pies and rum, plus the usual gift exchange and falling asleep in front of the Christmas TV movie.

I also decided that this year that I would video-call my parents, as my sister and mother were together and I could both see and hear them. I normally see my mum once a year in Devon, and due to my work commitments that is usually it. This year that hasn’t happened – I’ve talked to them on text or ‘phone, but haven’t seen them for a while and it’s even longer since I’ve seen my sister. All I know is that my niece and nephew have grown up so much that I hardly recognise them. My dad was elbow deep in the pot-washing, and the ladies had found wine, so everyone seemed very happy. This was a big thing for me, though, because I’ve found it hard to maintain a relationship with them due to distance, my work, plus lots of other factors. I got very anxious doing the call and I’m sure I came across weird, but at least I did it.

Work will be busy this week and it will continue until after new year. Then it slows down and I can finally go back to having two days off together to recuperate after five straight days of peopling. I can also look forward to a week off in late January for a special event, but that will be another adventure I’ll tell you next year.

I hope that your 2020 will be everything and anything you want it to be. Mrs Bob, Dog Dog’s Twitter and myself would like to thank you for following our exploits on here and social media over the year. Happy New Year to all.

Stay Safe X

We will see you next year.