In the spirit of the festive period I add this post with a blanket on my lap, a cat on the blanket and my feet up on the desk surrounded by seasonal lights and scents (see pics for further indication). It has been a genuinely great Christmas, my best for years. The main difference is that I’m feeling fit, strong and comparatively happy about the recent past and what’s to come next year. You can’t have a good Christmas if it’s bracketed by misery before and after. It hangs over you like a cloud and depletes your spiritual, mental and physical energy. Christmas in such circumstances is liable to become an exercise in distraction and/or a journey into oblivion rather than the celebration of all good things it’s meant to be. On this occasion it felt like there was much to celebrate – much to be thankful for – and that meant a good Christmas came easily. I’m mindful that many are struggling at the moment and I do not take a warm home, good friends and gifts under the tree for granted.
I should briefly add that it was also the first Christmas for many years where I kept up my exercise regime and agenda rather than abandoning it. I have a clear sense that much of the festive feel good factor stemmed from the inherent joy of challenging exercise after months without it. I’ve loved the workouts and I’ve loved Christmas 2022. It’s been pleasure and progress in equal measures.
Dr Martin James 