Chritsmas comes but....earlier and earlier

I've often commented that at this time of year, I desire to become a bear. I settle down in my den or cave with a hefty supply of nuts, berries, and whatever else I need and sleep until mid-February. For the first time this year, that's probably not the case. The big conference I've been working on for the last eighteen months took place in Glasgow at the start of October. It was a great success, even though I say it myself, and I came home with some empty days in my diary. And I'm not good with empty days. I've been fortunate that I have not stopped since we returned from Iceland in the summer. Three big TV pieces were filmed, followed by two conferences, which kept me busy in real terms and bulged my inbox. The last two weeks have seen too many empty days. There have been days with nothing in the diary, and I've been bad about arranging lunches and catch-ups. So that needs correcting. Now, things are lurching towards the end of the year, and retail is pushing us into Christmas, whether we like it or not. I stayed in a hotel last week in prep for a job for January and woke up on the 31st of October to find Christmas trees in the restaurant and reception, and goodness knows where else. In fact, I was surprised I didn't actually wake up to find tinsel around my bed and a wassailing ball on my......But no. It was limited to the public areas. I want to think that we are shown Christmas early to cheer us up as the nights close in after the clocks go back, but I think it's more mercenary. It seems like it's done to make us feel guilty. Christmas is coming, and you are unprepared! Our Christmas prep will have to be moved forward into this month, as we will be spending most of December in Japan right up to the festivities themselves. So, the next three weeks will have to be spent catching up with all the lovely people for present exchanges, lunch, and puddings. Add to the mix that I will be rehearsing in Munich for the last two weeks of this month and then directing a show in Berlin, and suddenly, I'm starting to regret not being nudged into early preparation. At least the Christmas shopping can wait. We'll buy presents for each other in Japan and keep the day low-key. But I want to take advantage of the chance to catch up with friends old and new and say thank you—thank you for being there and for making my life richer and happier. It's good to see them, and it's good to see that. So, for anyone I might be out on before the real yuletide season begins, this is for you. Thank you, and have a very happy December. (It is too early to do the proper greeting, I think)

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