I asked someone how their Christmas celebrations went and was met with a rather unenthusiastic response.

It's an "anti climax".

Eh? Of course it's going to be, you've spent an entire month on parties, presents and puking. It's nearly the end of the year, you feel fatter, you've got sinusitis, you go to and leave work/uni/college/dole office and it's always dark, it's wet and cold outside and your liver is sick, so yes the day after Christmas isn't as bright and shiny.

People who say christmas is "too commercialised", em yes it is.... some of us have the means to buy um stuff for um others, but ultimately it's an opportunity to be considerate. I can't abide seeing trash like a lilac bag of mixed assortment of no.7 make up from Boots or a pasta maker - I have not given or recieved either of these, although secretly I've always fancied having a pasta maker but I know it will be used once and stored forever in the cupboard. There is also the chance to buy a chicken, mango tree or goat if the guilt of spending is too much for your conscience.

Buying some gifts for my family and friends does not mean I prostate at the alter of the Coca Cola santa (tm). It's the chance to invite others into a warm home, share food and drink and commit that happy moment to memory, experiencing that lovely fuzzy feeling is what it's all about isn't it? Even if you're drugged up on Sudaphed and put on four pounds, that's what January is for, a time to refresh, clear last month's spending and realise that the days are getting longer, that your immune system is a bit tougher and you don't need to take any more Heroes from the gigantic tin at work.

Rant over, Happy New Year.