Friday 15th December – The last list of Christmas – it’s a goodun

by | Dec 15, 2023 | Blog, Garforth | 0 comments

The festive season is upon us once again, bringing with it a mix of emotions. Some eagerly anticipate it, while others find it challenging to embrace the whole thing, spirit included. In this week’s “Monday’s Moaning” vlog, I touched upon the idea of reconsidering our expectations surrounding Christmas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUllz9f34VM

The burden of creating a perfect holiday experience doesn’t only fall on families; businesses also grapple with the stress of meeting heightened expectations. It’s a challenging time for everyone, and the pressure to make everything magical can be particularly difficult for those who aren’t feeling the magic themselves.

Christmas Cracker Joke: What do you call a magician with no magic? Ian

Reflecting on the humorous side, I often quip about being busy enough, and then, lo and behold, Jesus throws his birthday into the mix. I have to make jokes or I may lose the ability to answer ‘Yes, all sorted’ when someone asks for the tenth time that day if I have Christmas in the bag…. “No, Derek, I haven’t even got today in the bag”. Men and the lead-up to Christmas I feel, is a very different experience!

I count myself fortunate to have a circle of friends with whom I’ve witnessed the evolution of our Christmas traditions. We’ve observed shifts in why and how we celebrate, acknowledging that not everyone embraces Christmas for its original significance.

As we move forward, we can expect changes, particularly as the older generation, rooted in tradition, passes on. The evolving landscape may pave the way for new perspectives on how we celebrate this festive season.

Some of my older in-laws just can’t quite grasp some of our ‘new’ household traditions — like those cheeky gingerbread characters hanging on the tree. Well, I have boys, and let’s be honest, it’s downright hilarious! The looks on people’s faces when we invite them to pick something off the tree are priceless. Life’s too short to be serious all the time, right?

And let me tell you about the adventures we’ve had attempting to make pretzels one time. Spoiler alert: gingerbread is more our style! Laughter is the best ingredient in any household, even if the pretzels didn’t turn out as planned! Dog poo biscuit anyone?!

 

As mentioned in the vlog this week:  https://youtu.be/YUDbPYh_yC4

The amount of people that care isn’t enough

But on a plus have you heard this? – Garforth Musical Scene Studio 84 play the Band-Aid cover of, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas time’  – well done to all involved for creating something a little local, feeling of goodness  https://www.facebook.com/100090158495421/videos/902869684536080/

Local Christmas Gift Ideas 

(you’re welcome)

Garforth Town FC ticket (home games) We now have half-season tickets available to buy online.

We now have half-season tickets available to buy online.
Adult £50
Concession £26
Child £10
Family (2+2) £110

The new stock of hats and scarves has arrived too and can also be bought online (collection from the club). These are priced at £12 each.

All can be accessed via our online store

Gifts Vouchers

 

Treatments and Aesthetics are high on the wish list this Christmas 

 

Food and Drink

Get out and buy  locally this Christmas

Coming up

  • Friday 15th  Martin from The Pizza Box Co will be at The Gaping Goose serving Pizza from 5 pm until sold out
  • Saturday 16th from 10 am Kippax Makers Market
  • Saturday 16th  – Garforth Choir sings Rocking Around the Christmas Tree at Garforth Working Men’s Club – Last 10  tickets  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/leeds/garforth-w-m-c

  • Saturday 16th  from 9 pm – The Podger Martin Boyd, The Nashville Sessions – free entry, live music
  • Sunday 17th  at 6 pm St Mary’s Church Carols by Candlelight with Garforth brass & Organ
  • Sunday 17th at 6 pm – Swillington Church, Carols
  • Tuesday 19th –  Northern Dream Storytime at Garforth Library
    Last few tickets left!! https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents/northern-dreaming-storytelling-session/e-zmgddx
    Join us for this fantastic, FREE event, , from 10-11 am at Garforth Community Hub & Library.
  • Thursday 21st  – our local Zumba classes that are taken by Charlotte Martin are out at Wetherspoons, having a drink to the holidays, if you’re about and have wondered about starting Zumba in 2024, you could always ask her or the many ladies who will be in attendance
  • Friday 22nd – Relaxed Santa visit at Temple Newsam

“Explore the beautifully decorated house and get in the festive spirit with themed crafts and activities  We’re running a relaxed day on 22 Dec, designed for families who would benefit from a quieter event with fewer people Ear defenders will be available to borrow (subject to availability)  Quiet rooms are available, please ask a member of staff on the day – Find out more and book your spot here:  https://bit.ly/3GIvmWD

  •  Sunday 24th, 10 am-2 pm  – Sugar Rush Christmas market

 

And at Quirky Ales throughout the festivities 

 

And in the new year – 27th January – a local BOTTOMless brunch is coming to the Welfare Hall! https://bit.ly/3Nu2MMm

 

Christmas planning

I will be sharing all the Christmas opening and closing times for our local members on our socials so you know who is open and when

 

This is my last blog for 2023 – Until then, savour every moment of your Christmas, no matter how you choose to spend it. I’ll be especially relieved when I’m not racing around trying to ensure everyone else is having a good time —over and out! – I’ll be WRITE back on the 12th  of January …

 

 

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