some hae meat

[Ragged Robin]

The topic started by Keith Caley about Christmas menus seems to have received a somewhat unenthusiastic response. Sorry Keith. I can't help wondering why?

Do people feel, as I do, that the national and international situations are not condusive to expensive and rather ott celebrations., and it would be better to save the money for a rainy day. Or do they not wish to support the preponderance of expensive luxury hotels which are ruining the environment. Or like me, just fed up with the commercialisation of what is after all a religious festival.?

Personally I prefer a small celebration with a few friends and sharing the work by each providing a different course.
Or if cooking is not possible support a know and friendly local hostelry . Remember the wonderful grace:



“Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.”


― Robert Burns

If you can afford an expensive five course meal with extras and drinks, spare a thought for those who dont have meat , or very little of, it and who cannot eat. And those who are alone and not part of a large party at Christmas. The UK Charities have started their usual appeals on TV and I am sure some of thelocal Charities can suggest a good home for the cost of an unnecessary and probably unhealth, extra course!

[terry2366]

Or invite someone who is n their own at xmas that's what it s about surely.

[Jonnie]

I am not religious so do not celebrate the birth of Santa Clause. However I see Christmas as a time to get together with family and friends and doing something a bit special. We have always invited people who are on their own to join us. Personally I prefer to cook a meal myself than go out, largely because I have not been overly impressed with the offerings available. I do not object to inflated menu prices on the day really, it is just a commercial decision and I choose or choose not to purchase. This also applies to the gift sets available in the shops which are often overpriced and of poor quality. To be honest if I had more time I would prefer to make something as a gift.

As for charities, most of the big nationals have such high admin costs they are largely just job factories with a very small proportion of money getting on the ground.

Thanks for the Selkirk Prayer have not even thought about that since I went to school there!

[Ragged Robin]

Glad I brought back memories Jonnie - happy ones I hope. Did you really mean the birth of Santa or was it a joke?

Good idea to invite people on their own, but do not be too hurt if you get refusals, some prefer a quite Christmas by the fireside to a noisy party, particularly if they have hearing difficulties. The main thing is to make sure they are alone by choice and are OK. It is sad but so often the vulnerable find their normal support systems (paid or voluntary) are no longer here during the season of goodwill.! Particularly here where people so often go back to UK for hols.

Call round and take them a card or a small token just to let them know you are there. If you dont want to appear too interfering watch out for signs - we dont see milk bottles on the step any more, but watch for dustbins being taken in and out, curtains drawn and undrawn and junk stuffed inthe mail box. And of course animals , if they are not put in and out at regular times or fed at regular times they will soon let you know!

[Mowgli597]

...... I am sure some of thelocal Charities can suggest a good home for the cost of an unnecessary and probably unhealth, extra course!

Well said RR.
St. Andrew’s Church has started its second annual (!) Reverse Advent Calendar collection.
See here for details.
All donations will be used to help local folk in need - especially those suffering hardship because of illness in a family - regardless of race, colour or creed.
If you aren’t going/don’t wish to go the church then arrangements can be made to collect your offering.

[Keithcaley]

I am not religious so do not celebrate the birth of Santa Clause...

That would be March 15 then, according to Wikipedia

[Jonnie]

Am actually quoting Bart Simpson!

[Mowgli597]

I am not religious so do not celebrate the birth of Santa Clause...

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