When we asked opinion and travel writer Roger Allnutt to put together his My Christmas he warned that he could write something but didn’t think it would be very interesting. “Perhaps to others who are Christmas grinches like me,” he wrote, adding that he thinks there are plenty of people who view Christmas as he does.
What I love most about Christmas is … some of the Xmas music eg oratorios, Handel’s Messiah.
What I love least about Christmas is … the ultra-consumerism especially when I see people in supermarkets etc spending on things which will either break by Boxing Day or not be welcome. Also when it is clear they will be struggling to pay the credit card bills. I have never related to Christmas. Am atheist so the religious aspect is a no no.
My best ever Christmas was … My best ever Christmas was spent with my family on the island of Hydra in Greece with friends based in Athens. Sparkling clear days, crystal clear water, sleeping on the roof of a house overlooking the harbour, wonderful food and drink and a chance to live like the locals. Men on donkeys or at cafes fingering their beads while the women did all the work.
My favourite Christmas songs are … see above, Handel’s Messiah.
My favourite Christmas film is … I’m not a film buff.
Christmas Eve … is just another night. My parents used to listen to the Queen’s message but I am a republican. Does anyone listen? Perhaps it isn’t even broadcast.
Christmas Day … is just for family. For years we have had just our small group (when I was growing up there was just my parents and my sister and me in Hobart with no relatives anywhere close) for Christmas dinner. Presents have been eschewed for years except for the two grandsons. Even there I have to ask what they would like.
Boxing Day … is the test match but I usually play tennis early morning.
The gift I’d most like to give this Christmas is … is good health and happiness for my family and friends.
The gift I’d most like this Christmas is … in this uncertain world, some movement in 2017 to end all the hatred, bitterness and division that continues to plague many communities.
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