Christmas.

It happens but once a year and that time is now

When people go crazy and grow to a crowd.

The shops are all filled with the trappings of joy

But deep down inside I know it’s a ploy.

There is no joy; it’s a retailer’s spin

There is no peace; it’s just all marketing zing

It’s not time for family and friends to join in

It a time for shops and banks to cash in.

Where did it go the Christmas of old?

Where did the child hood memories all go?

I don’t remember the crass commercial spin

It seemed much nicer for me and my kin.

When Christmas lights were nice and discreet

And not competition out on the street

Christmas seemed somehow just nice and sweet

And kids were just lucky to be given a treat

It’s all gone to hell this time of year

People and traffic blocking the streets

Kids can take back the gifts that they get

Without even a thought of the cost or the debt.

So as my Christmas turns into a dud and a sham

And I realise I didn't even get a nice ham

All I have for lunch is one tin of spam

I suddenly realise, Phil you’re just a grumpy old man.

Have a great Christmas everyone.