A strange combination … If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I popped into a home store to buy some storage jars, only to be greeted by huge displays of Christmas decorations. Why so early? It’s only October! I’m sure that in previous years they haven’t appeared until after Halloween.
I then popped into the English food shop to buy some birthday cards and other bits and pieces, only to find they were already selling Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes and mince pies.
Maybe it’s just me, but I think Christmas has become far too commercialised, and somewhere along the way we’ve forgotten its true meaning.
At least here in Portugal, as far as I know, they don’t seem to feel the need to apologise for using the word Christmas in case it offends people of other faiths.
Whatever happened to enjoying the build-up to Christmas rather than being bombarded with it before October has even finished?
Halloween
I may be one of the few quirky people without kids/grandkids in tow who love Halloween. I always dress up and throw myself into the moment with the trick-or-treaters. I put a pumpkin outside our gate so the children know they are welcome and decorate the entrance with masks, ghosts and cobwebs. This year we had at least 50 excited children!
Artwork: Last weekend, I enjoyed a fun afternoon with fellow local art enthusiasts creating a Halloween collage. After much deliberation about what went where, cutting and pasting and whether to use a purple material for the witch’s skirt, I finally settled on adding some sparkle.
Temptation:
On our way back from our shopping expedition, we dropped into Quay Lagos on Lagos Marina for lunch their Pie and Pud deal at just 18€.
My sweet tooth must be waning, as I only ate a couple of mouthfuls <honest> and left the rest. A month ago I would have gobbled down the lot.
COVID and Flu:
I am relieved to say we had our jabs this week. I understand some people refuse them citing various reasons but we always have ours.
What are your thoughts on preventative vaccinations? Are they offered by the state or are you required to pay for them?
That’s all for this week, folks! Do pop over to Natalie’s and check out other Weekend Coffee Shares,
and don’t forget… I’d love it if you’d join me in TodayInOnePhoto for details please see below.
Please share your thoughts!