In the bleak mid-November
You wake up in a freezing room to a dark morning, cycle through the fog/haze/spray/rain, probably encurring some degree of brain freeze and spend all the daylight hours doing something that exists only as a dull means to a menial end. You pick up a microwave meal en route back to your cave and whack it in the microwave. 6 minutes later with your violently shuddering radiator dialled up to 5, your dinner is served. Honestly, when it’s out of it’s plastic container you seriously have to question whether it should be going in you or coming out of you.
The truth of the matter is that once the cold sets in, the only thing the majority of us are thinking about is the winter break. Not just the winter break, but Christmas. I’ll readily admit that I still get excited when it rolls around every year. Perhaps it’s the twinkly lights or the frantic and heightened greed, but I’m a complete sucker for it. Unsurprisingly, my procrastination has evolved with the seasons and I’m drawing up gift- lists and wish-lists faster than you can sing Jingle Bells. I know, it’s only November, but there isn’t a celebratory landmark any closer on the horizon for those of us who don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, Diwali or The International Day of Heavy Metal (12th December for those interested).
If, unlike me, you are unsure what to buy for your loved ones (I’ve been prepared for this since the Olympic closing ceremony), whichever festival you may be celebrating, then may I suggest such practical gems as the Chip Wave, The Roll and Easy Feet? I’m sure you’ll be able to appreciate these fantastic gift ideas and I do not doubt that they will be treasured by the receiver, regardless of the occasion. Personally, I’m holding out for a Happy Hot Dog Man. This time of the year it’s all about the giving, not the getting, and the gift of clean feet is a gift that just keeps giving.
If you are not the sort to embrace these festivities, before you start telling people that Father Christmas isn’t real and that it’s all an Illuminati conspiracy, just remember that there’s still time for 2012 to be the year that the world ends. This could be your last chance to get ridiculously excited by something that’s still over a month away. I mean, what are you going to be doing in the meantime? Studying?
Phoebe Ellis-Rees
My name is Phoebe and I’m a first year Bachelor’s student, studying Arts & Culture. I moved to Maastricht in late August from London, England where I was born and raised.