Last night I made true on my promise/threat to take down the leftovers of last year's Christmas decorations at last. House elf revealed himself to be somewhat of a traditionalist and cainophobe, the latter describing a person with a phobia of all things new and unknown, of changes in general - didn't know that, did you. Well, to be honest, I did not know either and to have this manifest itself in this here Nisse, took me by surprise.
We argued over an hour about whether all-year-round Christmas decorations could be the next big thing. I told him I did not see that happening anytime soon.
Suffice it to say that elf was not in the highest of spirits afterwards, thus withheld all co-operation (not that there was much to begin with) and attempted to sabotage my packing efforts with all his might. I did not want to cross said elf - last time I did, my hoover broke down. This was considerably more serious in the bigger system of things and I cannot afford to make enemies right now - remember my ass-the-size-of-the-moon problem, the general lack of a love interest in this chapter of my life, the up-in-the-air feeling I have when I think of my job situation - you see my problem... So no, I cannot handle devious flatmates on top of that. I have too much fabulousness going on in my fabulous life as it is. As I am my elf's keeper I sat him down and explained in kind and gentle words that Christmas once was very much about waiting and preparing oneself, that originally it was part of a season of quiet, darkness and secrecy, of being kind to others and putting said others first without making a big song and dance about it.
He simply looked at me like I was demented and retorted indignantly that he KNEW that, thank me very much! It was sort of his JOB to KNOW that and live accordingly.
Upon my question what the hell his problem was exactly, he simply answered that Christmas once a year was not enough.
Christmas was of course code for goodwill and kindness. I shall not now go into his tirade about the general lack thereof the rest of the year. What with the rushing and buying and stressing and fretting and trying to be ever bigger and better and simply more - a race that reached its climax at precisely Christmas - he felt that mankind was not on a good path. Well, doesn't take a genius, does it, to work that one out.
Anyway, we agreed that the decorations needed to come down at some point and last night was as good a time as any after Christmas.
We also agreed that the SPIRIT of Christmas is not something that should go up and down with boughs of holly and baubles and candles and wreaths of ivy and bits of mistletoe and what have you.
So go out and spread some Christmas cheer all year round, you little Scrooges.
I know - once again I have set the world's moral compass due north.
You're welcome.
