December’s Greetings

Here at the Caffeine Addled Minds Headquarters we are well aware that December is a mixed time for some. And hey that’s alright. So I won’t go on and on about all the overly fantasised aspects of this month like some advert full of fake smiles, too perfect food and decorations that in reality would blind you they seem to be so shiny.

We all cope with December in our own way and while I choose to believe there is more positive than negative to be found in the seasonal month, I also know for some people out there, this statement can feel far from the truth. I won’t go down the religious route of the holiday season as this doesn’t apply to all religions anyway, not to mention that there are non religious people in this world (myself included) so why focus on one belief when we are all so diverse in real life.

I personally find December a mixed bag, the nights are long and the weather is rarely that wonderful crisp snow that seems to appear in every holiday special episode and movie. However on the plus side of things: I get to justify drinking more hot chocolate, wrapping up in a blanket and listening to my favourite podcasts (not all of them are created by us, I have been known to dabble in many other fine works of podcasting).

I will admit to enjoying a good December movie, including The Muppets Christmas Carrol immediately followed by the Muppets Treasure Island, because they’re in the same box set and Tim Curry as Long John Silver is honestly the best version of this character (Sorry Luke Arnold, you’re a close second). Actually now I think about it, my next go to movie is the 1991 masterpiece that is Hook, so maybe pirates and December should be the theme. Oh and no, i’m not forgetting the divisive movie’s Die Hard 1&2, both fine examples of December movies and certainly ones I shall be watching this month.

Yes I will probably eat a little too much, but I’ve been known to do that across the year so that’s not a big stress. There are bigger things to think about, like have we recorded, edited and uploaded everything? Is this very blog post finished and scheduled to upload on the first Tuesday of the month because December gets very busy at my job and that means I will definitely forget to do something (probably buying a present for someone).

At the end of the day I find all the stress of this month culminates and passes with far too much anticipation for many (myself included) and I do believe a lot of this is down to unrealistic expectations we force on ourselves. We often get told December should be a time for family and friends to get together and that is how it is supposed to be done, unfortunately for some people this can’t, or doesn’t happen. Often the images are re-enforced with themes forced upon us in countless adverts and media. So from me, a creator at Caffeine Addled Minds to you. I get it and don’t sweat the whole perfect day thing. You do what you need to do, to get through December and I’ll see you on the first Tuesday of January to tell you all about how I don’t give a crap about “new year. new me” and all that rubbish as well.

I’m not some jaded pessimist, I’m just a realistic person who knows my limits (and I know I will slide back on that resolution and still enjoy a good pizza more often than I should).

Jordan (Co-founder and creator of the Caffeine Addled Minds).