Is it really possible to avoid Christmas?

You know what, it really, really isn't.

This year of all years, I was willing to give shutting Christmas out a real go. Having had the most euphoric and also utterly devastating few weeks of my life in November, which has left me physically, mentally and emotionally drained, Christmas seemed unwelcome. I was poised to shun.

Being an Atheist, Christmas is probably the only real Christian custom I adhere to (Did Jesus have a few pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? If that's historically accurate, that to). Even then, it's far from Christian adherence to why I bother with Christmas, as the latter half of the Twentieth Century probably saw that any true meaning behind Christmas kicked into touch, the real symbols of Christmas being a ridiculously dressed overweight bearded fat man, rampant consumerism, overindulgence and a plump Turkey. I may be wrong (definitely correct) but I doubt any of this stuff in the Old Testament.

So I thought No, not this year. I could easily go without recieving presents, there's nothing I want at all, and I could definitely do without buying them. I'll stay at home, maybe have a walk (potential typo), play some FM, the usual. Pretty much a normal Sunday (with worse telly). But then from all directions, one's senses are ramraided with red, gold and green sparkly things, and boundless enthusiasm. Total avoidance becomes impossible, everything is geared towards this the finest of all the Christian traditions (Bigotry a close second). Nothing at all becomes 'Ok, just a turkey', then 'one present each, nothing big', and before I know it, I've spent £70 on Nichola. Without the mandatory 'main' present! She deserves the world, mind. And then some.

So why is it so irresistible, even to the Atheist? It's all about the spirit. If there's one time of year everyone does their bit for everyone else, it'll be in this month. Christmas brings out the best in people, generally. Families are united, good times are had by (virtually) all. This must be capitalised on, surely? There is no shutting that out, ever, who would want to?

Roll on Christmas, the one aspect of Christianity worth celebrating. Merry fucking Christmas everyone.

P.S. For the staunchest of Atheists, and even more cynical, there's always Festivus....