Key Takeaways:
- A canal in Shropshire has disappeared into a sinkhole, and an unusually large number of octopuses have been caught in UK waters.
- The author reflects on the unusual events and ponders their significance, suggesting that they may be a sign of something, although they are not sure what.
- The author also shares their personal experiences and observations during the Christmas season, including their busy work schedule, a trip to Devon, and time spent with family.
- The author notes the challenges of adult life, including the feeling that time has no meaning and that existence is just one thing after another.
- The author also pokes fun at their own character flaws and those of their family members, and shares humorous anecdotes about their holiday experiences.
Introduction to the Unusual Events
A canal in Shropshire has disappeared into a sinkhole, and an unusually large number of octopuses have been caught in UK waters. These events are unusual and have caught the attention of the author, who ponders their significance. The author notes that sinkholes are holes that appear out of nowhere, and that they can happen anywhere, at any time, making them a source of unease and uncertainty. The author also reflects on the unusual appearance of octopuses, noting that they are already freaky creatures, and that the large number of them caught in UK waters is a sign of something, although they are not sure what.
The Challenges of Adult Life
The author also reflects on the challenges of adult life, including the feeling that time has no meaning and that existence is just one thing after another. The author notes that they have been working twice as hard as usual in the lead-up to Christmas, but still have a lot to do before Boxing Day. The author expresses their bafflement at this situation to a friend, who explains that this is just the essence of life as an adult. The author is not sure they agree with this assessment, but acknowledges that it may be true. The author also notes that they love their job and are grateful to have the opportunity to work, but that the pace of life can be overwhelming at times.
Christmas Experiences
The author shares their personal experiences and observations during the Christmas season, including a trip to Devon to spend Christmas with their sister. The author notes that they worked on the train on the way to Devon, and that their mother had been camping at the station for four days to ensure they got the right train. The author also reflects on their character flaws, including their willingness to eat in public, and their mother’s ignorance of the fact that alcohol comes in vessels other than big green gin bottles. The author shares humorous anecdotes about their holiday experiences, including their sister’s success in managing the whole thing, and their own efforts to buy the correct edition of the Dorset Pevsner for their husband.
Family Time and Traditions
The author notes that Christmas is a time for family and tradition, and that they enjoy spending time with their loved ones. The author shares stories about their family’s activities, including eating, napping, and listening to the king’s speech. The author also notes that they gave their mother a basket of odd socks, which she happily sorted all afternoon. The author reflects on the joy of Christmas, but also notes that it can be overwhelming and that it is nice when it is over. The author also notes that the traditional trip round the sales on Boxing Day is not possible in the Devon countryside, but that they enjoy the idea of people being free to look at meaningless stuff again instead of having to feel gratitude and love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the author reflects on the unusual events of the season, including the sinkhole and the octopuses, and ponders their significance. The author also shares their personal experiences and observations during the Christmas season, including their busy work schedule, their trip to Devon, and their time spent with family. The author notes the challenges of adult life, including the feeling that time has no meaning and that existence is just one thing after another. The author also pokes fun at their own character flaws and those of their family members, and shares humorous anecdotes about their holiday experiences. Overall, the author’s reflections on the Christmas season offer a humorous and relatable look at the challenges and joys of adult life.
