THE CAPTAIN'S ANNUAL YULETIDE MESSAGE AND AWARDS

very year, at the same time as the monarch delivers their message to the Commonwealth, I post my message to the world. This year is no different... except it is. I always write about the highs and lows of the year, but this time, I’ve decided to frame my annual review as an awards ceremony.

BACK PAIN, BIKE DREAMS, AND A SECRET SANTA SIGH

t’s a slow and deliberate process, but I am truly trying my best to settle back into a normal life and, to some degree, I’m succeeding. The persistent back pain, however, still accompanies me most of the time, which is incredibly annoying. I cannot wait for the day I can ditch the tiresome bus commute and get back in the saddle; my bike is calling to me.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

ur annual countdown to Yule was accompanied by a nagging worry this year. With my recent injury, the simple act of climbing into the loft to retrieve all the festive decorations looked deeply doubtful. That tradition—the festive preparation I look forward to most—seemed genuinely out of reach.

Thankfully, we got a helping hand: Rags's boyfriend stepped in, and the entire festive haul was safely brought downstairs. Success! On the chilly afternoon of 30th November, the tree finally went up.

For the last few years, we've happily been early decorators, usually trimming up mid-November. After all, Yule is the most important celebration in our calendar, and who wouldn't want to make that precious feeling last as long as possible?

THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

ule is a special time, a moment of peace and reflection that transcends beliefs and means so much to so many. The world continues with its wars and the disasters continue it’s important to cherish the simple joys of life whilst the rich still seem bent on destruction for their own benefit.

So whilst the King is waffling on on the telly I get to deliver my message to the world.

YULE LOVE THIS...

ell I’m shaking things up a bit here! While the subject matter will remain the same — after all, this is my blog — I’m looking to freshen up the delivery. I’m happy with the overall look of the site, but it needs a jolt to rekindle my interest.

So, before we dive into this post, what do you think of the new medieval-style graphic?

2312.12 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

Usually at this time of year I buy the festive edition of the TV listings magazine and pick out my festive favourites. This year I've decided to forego the expense (and they are getting expensive) but doing a bit of internet research instead. So here is my 2023 guide to the Yuletide televisual event.

2311.27 WINTER POSTCARD

Everyone knows where I go every year. In fact I was there a couple of months ago. So it may surprise people to learn that we are back so soon.

2311.21 IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

It's that time of year when I venture into the loft to get out the festive decorations. I know it's considered a little early but for the last few years we've been trimming up a little earlier.

2212.19 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

It's the time of year where I buy the festive copy of the Radio Times generic listings magazine and, armed with a highlighter pen, I go through and pick out the programmes I want to watch. I know in the age of multi- channel TV and streaming this might seem archaic but it's a practice and tradition I enjoy and hope to continue for many years.

2201.01 RESOLUTIONS

As I've said in the past I don't do resolutions. Instead I usually set myself 3 achievable tasks, I'm not about to change this year.

2112.25 CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

So we are still battling the pandemic but at least this year we managed to regain some of our freedoms, but for how long? The Omicron variant is all the rage at the moment and threatens to plunge us back into another lockdown.

2112.19 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

Well it's that time of year again where I scour the festive Radio Times (it was almost £6 this year) and highlight my favourite programmes and specials.

2012.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

This is probably the most difficult of seasonal messages I've had to deliver. The world in in the middle of a pandemic that that effected everyone in some way.

2012.16 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

It's become a bit of a tradition now, I check out the televisual offerings armed with the festive double issue of the Radio Times and a highlighter pen. Then I share my favourite upcoming delights...

2001.01 THE ROARING TWENTIES

As another decade closes I can't help look at the time that has passed. So whilst looking back on the last year I also find myself going back over the last 10 years, and some of it was very painful.

1912.16 FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

As always I like to check out the television offerings. As always I've armed myself with the festive double issue of the Radio Times and a highlighter pen. Last year was a bit poor - hope it's better this year...

1912.08 IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

The first full weekend in December is usually when we put up our festive decorations. The trouble this year is that I've been at work for one of those days.

1912.06 WHO IS FATHER CHRISTMAS?

It's a strange time. It's the festive season but we've got a general election going on which is distracting everyone from the fun that is supposed to be this time of year. But I want to take a moment to leave the crap to one side and look at something that really interests me (and captures the season).

1812.29 CHRISTMAS SICKIE

I was going to call this post "Christmas Hangover" but circumstances have meant that has had to change. But first let's go back to the beginning.

1812.23 YULETIDE CHEER

Christmas has lost its way. There I said it. That's not to say all is lost, you must look at the whole celebration and how you view it. If you strip Christmas back it's supposed to be about gathering with those important to you. It's about the feast. It's about family.