C h a o t i c Favourites: December 2015

Yes, you read it right - I have pilfered Public Enemy lyrics for clickbait.

At the risk of cementing myself as The Grinch forever, I have to admit that every year I get Christmas fatigue - and I don't even have children. Is it just me? If I'm honest, I think there are two camps: those who LOVE Christmas and wring out every drop, or those who are a bit 'meh' about the whole thing. I'm definitely in the second camp.TO BE CLEAR: I am not anti-Christmas and harbour no judgement on others and how they choose to celebrate. I get into the festivities. It just needs a little perspective.

I swear I'm not the Grinch stealing Christmas...

Christmas day is still only 24 hours long

As far as I know, JC wasn't able to extend his birthday longer than any other day. Yet, we make plans to squeeze in as much as we can: 5am wake up to unwrap gifts with group A. Breakfast with group B then pop in to group C on the way to lunch. Lunch with group D, followed by an afternoon cuppa and pudding at group E, backed up by a 'light supper' at group F (or, if you're still in your 20s - party all night at the Grand/ some other popular venue). WHY DO WE DO THIS? Do what you can - there are plenty of other days to see loved ones and have a nice meal.

Many people will be spending Christmas day alone

In spite of my obvious frustration driving all over town on Christmas day, there are many out there who don't have love ones to rush around and see. Or, they simply can't. The Australian Red Cross has a Telecross service that phones vulnerable people everyday to make sure their OK. Christmas Day is one of the busiest days. They're might be frustrating at times, but it's very fortunate thing to have family and close friends.

Presents aren't the actual point, they're an added bonus

I was at Target recently and there was a woman at the service counter returning gifts she'd bought in July at the toy sale because she'd over heard her children say that they; "don't like Minecraft Lego" anymore, and 'Mignons are so over'. Getting past confusion over what 'Minecraft' and 'Mignons' actually are (and the fact that her kids sound like spoiled brats) I was pretty dumbfounded that she was returning hundreds of dollars worth of gifts to ultimately buy more and possibly spend more. Sure, kids make a Christmas wish list and are seduced by Saturday morning super toys - but if you ask a 10 year old about their favourite Christmas, overwhelmingly they will talk about the day, not what presents they got. Recently, I asked my 4/5 students about this very thing and their responses were 'the time my uncle was visiting and we played beach cricket' or 'that time we drove to NSW and had a fun road trip'. This is the stuff of Christmas memories - not the plastic trinkets made in China.

Don't kill the magic

Obviously, Father Christmas is a fictional character. Yes, Santa Claus was invented by Coca Cola as a successful marketing campaign (the jolly man with a white beard in a red suit ain't coincidental yo) but there's something pretty special about the night before Christmas. Sure, we might technically be lying, but it's fun play. It's imagination and it's important for the little 'uns. I work with adults who still believe in Father Christmas and it's lovely - you can't fake that kind of excitement. Too soon is innocence lost - just go along with the act.

Yours is not the most important Christmas

This is specifically aimed at those who drive like dicks on Christmas day and/ or book lunch out for their loved ones rather than do it at home. Point one I feel like I've emphasised enough. Point two, let me explain further. Nothing wrong with having lunch out, I respect it, but as someone who worked a lot of Christmas days, it's tough putting up with Christmas demands. By all means, bring your individualised Christmas crackers, but don't interrupt me taking someone's order because one is missing. And don't walk into the kitchen asking for bowls for your mixed lollies. It might be pay at double time, but hospitality staff do not get paid enough for what they have to put up with on Christmas day. Not to mention the fact that they ARE WORKING ON CHRISTMAS DAY (and probably worked everyday leading up to it along with their Retail counterparts). Relax people, we're all in it together. No one is going to spoil your 'special day' (and it's not a wedding FFS - this day literally occurs every year).

There are people out there to whom Christmas means nothing

Did you hear about the Starbucks controversy in the US? They changed their festive season coffee cups to all red without the usual Chrissy decorations. Outrage ensued, as if it was discrimination of some sort. Simmer down there sunshine - it was no such thing. It was purely recognition of the fact that not every one celebrates Christmas, and for a variety of reasons; religious (and dare I ask how many out there observe the Christian traditions of Christmas? That chic Nativity scene decoration doesn't count), or out of genuine protest (anti-consumerism maybe?), or they just have better things to do. Christmas might be the most wonderful time of year for some, but not others. Value the true spirit of this time of year and celebrate with a little grace and acceptance.

What do you think readers? Any other perspective to offer (or am I ranting out on this limb alone?)

Stay safe during the festive season!

E x

Hello, Megan here!

I'm writing this blog post as a reminder to myself on how good I'm feeling at the moment. I plan to refer to it when I inevitability fall off this healthy train that I'm currently a front row passenger on.

I'm feeling energetic, my skin is clearer than ever, I've lost all of the baby weight and then some, I'm enjoying going to pilates and boot camp (WTF who am I?!) and my healthy eating is staying on track.

My healthy eating is going so well that I'm actually enjoying eating well and I don't even feel like I'm missing out. For me, the key to staying on track is being organised so that I'm not reaching for the junk food. Things like roast veggies, cooked quinoa, nuts/seeds and lots of greens for throwing together yummy salads. As well as frozen bananas and other goodies for smoothies and some form of raw treat or slice at-the-ready for my sweet tooth.

When I start to feel good, I'm spurred on and I'm more and more motivated to continue exercising and eat well.

I'm not really following any rules, I just try to get moving everyday or at least a few times per week. Humidity, rain or a grumpy baby can throw a spanner in the works!

I've pretty much completely cut out sugar, wheat and more recently dairy. I've just found that my body is happier without those things. Plus I've recently read some articles on how the dairy industry operates so giving up diary has been an ethical choice for me too. *Did you know that baby cows are taken off their mum once their born before they even have their first feed so that all of the mum's milk is saved for us humans!

Homemade popcorn with a drizzle of coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt is usually enough to save me reaching for the chips, chocolates or ice cream. All in all, I just try to eat real food - nothing from a packet disguised as food.

So with the festive season upon us I know it's going to really test me but I'll just have to do the best I can and remember I'm setting a good example for Tilly - who is known for stealing kale off my plate!!! She's also a huge cucumber fan! I hope she keeps that up but I'm sure she'll be a fusser toddler soon enough.