Xmas Logistics – The Climb #671

Thursday 24^th December 2020

I’ve become convinced that Xmas is an exercise in logistics.

This was supposed to be a simple Xmas. I’m not seeing close family. I’m not doing presents with extended family. Just a simple meal and a few presents with my support bubble.

And yet, it’s somehow turned into this massive exercise that I feel I might need to call in the army to help with.

I thought we were doing well when we got the turkey early. Yet food shopping for the rest of the stuff on Monday turned into an event with social-distance-unaware shoppers and a looming Xmas lockdown causing a panic and a bit of stress.

Then there were wrapping a few presents that turned into an all day affair; where wrapping simple gifts required me to source boxes due to the presents’ odd shape; where one piece of rogue sellotape caused me to rip a gash in the partially wrapped bulky present I’d been having trouble with.

And today was the final task: getting things to my support bubble.

It’s just a few streets away; a 10 minute walk at maximum. And yet…I found myself in the position of having to transport a load of presents and drink. I’m not a heavy drinker but you’ve got to have some alcohol at Xmas.

I’d been planning to change my car in 2020 but the pandemic meant that never happened and the car wasn’t being used as I was working from home. So I got rid of it. The plan is to get one next year when the pandemic lifts and we can travel again… but that could be another 6 months.

And for the most part, with shops over the road and a big supermarket within walking distance, it’s not been a problem… except when you have a bunch of stuff that needs to be transported a few roads.

This has meant I’ve been ferrying bags up. Alcohol. Soft drinks. Clothes and toiletries for staying a few days. Snacks and treats I had to keep at mine or C would eat them all. And presents.

I have spent the day as a Sherpa.

I’ve told myself that it’s all good exercise, that once it is done I can sit down with a drink and just relax. But, God, did I miss my car today.

I got it all ferried up though, and I’m now in the position I never felt I’d be in. I’m ready for Xmas. I have a couple of days to unwind. To eat too much food and have – what is for me – a bit to drink.

I miss not being able to see family this year, and I’ve found that particularly tough, especially as the last time I saw them was a year ago. It’s probably going to be many more months before I can again.

But I intend to enjoy this Xmas. The last year has been particularly shitty but you know, I’ve kept my head down, dealt with blows we’ve all had to suffer, and soldiered on through. I’ve deserved this slap up meal and drink.

I intend to enjoy it.