With just a few days until Christmas you would be inclined to think that the shops and supermarkets would be jam packed, despite the financial struggle we are all suffering from at the moment. Until yesterday I could not believe there was any shortage of cash, why? All shops anywhere seemed to be packed to the rafters and full to the brim. One late evening this week I decided to go to ASDA for some last minute necessities and my jaw dropped due to the fact that my mum and I were the only people minus one other who where seemingly stupid enough to be doing a late evening shop! This was around 8pm... but I ask the question as to simply where everybody was? Where were the signs of the Christmas panic? The last minute food shopping, the unnecessary rush and race to the checkouts? Simply empty. Has everybody just shrugged their shoulders and not bothered this year? Or is it the fact we are all stocked up and awaiting to embrace the festivities with open arms? it can’t be the latter surely? Either way whether we like it or not we are just days away from the 25th and quite honestly it could not come quick enough, simply too much for a columnist to bare! Despite my firm boundaries I set myself of not having a drink, I was offered a glass of mulled wine and after some hesitation I decided to have quarter of a glass! Was it okay? It at least had a taste. Never has such a thing passed my lips before, seemingly quarter of a glass made me feel somewhat light headed! Probably I shall not have a taste again, however it was at least another simple experience I can tick off my life list. Not as ghastly as warm milk I can assure you! Despite the parties, the decorations, the music and the other connotations associated with this time of year, I still cannot decipher whether or not I am in the Christmas spirit. It just isn’t the same to when you where a kid is it? I’m still struggling to wade my way through the “things to do” list in my head, yet after experiencing my first Christmas dinner this week I can assure you that I am eagerly awaiting the next!
This is my final column before Christmas and indeed 2011! Have we come to the conclusion as to whether or not it has been a good year or not? Or do you make that decision on New Year’s Eve, in which case you can firmly say good riddance to the 12 months just gone! I’m feeling rather excited for the year 2012 and what new and exciting things are to come my way... but I’m certainly not one to make New Year’s resolutions! In-fact does anybody do them these days? I’m eagerly awaiting the new year and am already looking forward to criticising and complaining about the Olympics! Thank you to all who have supported me for the last few months since joining Atherton Online, how very much I enjoy bringing my thoughts and opinions every week to my local community and a platform which enables me to document my work as a writer and journalist. I appreciate all who read my ramblings week in week out and shall look forward to returning in the new year. Of course you can’t please everybody but I soon worked out that that’s the real world!
I wish you all across Atherton and roundabout a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Your columnist x
Matt returns with his column on the 12th January .
I discuss how Atherton train station was forced to CLOSE owing to the sheer amount of commuters who wanted to go into Manchester. A "regrettable occurence" according to Northern Rail and MP Norman Bradbury was "disgusted" but with only a couple of carriages on each train is it any surprise? [VIEW HERE]
Alan Pollock has become an internet sensation. Video footage of him throwing 19-year-old Sam Main off a train for fare dodging has been watched over 2 million times! This week Mr Pollock he has been CHARGED for his actions, whilst Mr Main plays the victim... whose in the wrong? I make my thoughts perfectly clear... [VIEW HERE]
Feeling festive? One family's home in Plymouth certainly has more than a few fairy lights outside! Mr Wilcott's family PAINT their home red every year. The house has become something of an attraction! [VIEW HERE]
Please leave a comment through Facebook in the box below or email me directly at matt.howarth@athertononline.co.uk if you have any stories or personal news you think would be worth mentioning on the site!
Comments