I was thinking about Christmas and the things that we just take for granted. It is good to think outside the box sometimes and explore where everything comes from. Here, in no particular order, is my tribute to the many unsung heroes who make Christmas Christmasy for us. It’s by no means a complete list and I would love to hear yours too.

The gardener who planted your Christmas tree all those years ago, the one who cut it down, the transporter, the net wrapper etc.

The sad person who spends all year writing the jokes that make you cringe.

The workers in the field with big thighs and calves, cutting your sprout stalks. Many of you are so lazy that you have your very own sprout peeler, washer and packer. You wouldn’t catch me doing that. Honestly.

The poor defenceless turkey who gobbled his last so that you could gobble his breast and legs.

The cranberry pickers and sauce makers you never compliment for that perfect condiment.

The writer of that 3 p.m. speech. Was it her or wasn’t it?

The people who schedule all those specials and repeats and one-offs for your drunken, food-binged afternoons and evenings. Anyone for another mince-pie? Let’s open another tin of Quality Street.

The medical staff who fix you up when you have had your Christmas day heart attack or Boxing Day bottle smashed over your head.

The stressed shop assistants who work tirelessly to sell you all those things that you don’t really need, and lots of things you do need.

The poor pigs who are rolled in a blanket for the delectation of your taste buds.

Poor old Auntie Bessie slaving over a hot stove.

The bin men who have to take away that rubbish mountain you created.

The poor “3 for 2”, “70% off” advertising gurus whose job it is to entice you.

The script writers who penned those timeless, feel-good films. And don’t forget the people who slave all year in the factories to make your tissues.

The legions of Santa and elf impersonators up and down the country. By the way, make sure you don’t let your kids talk to strangers, or sit on their knee for that matter.

The brass players who provide the soundtrack for your last minute shopping in the cold.

The thousands of delivery men working round the clock to get to you those things that your credit card can’t afford.

And don’t forget to take your pink hat off to the Andrex Labrador, who is so necessary in the aftermath of Mr Hanky’s yearly appearance.

And finally…You have to thank whichever God/Gods you believe in if it actually does snow on Christmas Day.

Happy Christmas  folks.

©Cre8ivation