You know the best part of Christmas for me? No, it's not the presents. Not the meal, either, nor the copious amounts of wine one feels compelled to drink. It's the Goodwill to All Men bit - that general feeling of warmth and complicity as everyone shares the excitement of the festive season.I experienced a bit of Goodwill on Saturday when I was on the London underground. All the passengers were studiously avoiding each others' eyes as usual when about 20 Santas alighted. They were very jolly (but surprisingly sober) and we were all silently trying to work out who they were and what they were doing on the Tube. One of the Santas called out to no-one in particular: "Yes, that's right! Santa takes the tube. Your presents may be late this year!" To which the rest of us grinned, half-smiled or looked away depending on our disposition. What did they want? Were they collecting for something? we fretted. But no. Santa One reached into his bag and started tossing chocolate bars to the passengers. We all became quite animated then, waving our arms around to show we wanted one too.
This sort of thing happens quite a lot at this time of year. Some years ago I changed trains on the way home from a pre-Christmas night out in London and was disconcerted to discover everybody at Finsbury Park station singing Christmas carols. There was no choir or anything - just a bunch of random strangers obviously all feeling festive and a bit merry.
Here are some other good things about Christmas.
- Pubs with decorations. So cosy, especially when there's a roaring fire too.
- Candlelit carol services. Of course I never go, I just like to know they're there.
- Inviting neighbours you never see around for drinks just because it's Christmas
- Boozy phone calls to long-lost friends and relatives on Xmas Day
- Santa's visit (obviously)
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