So here we go: the last instalment in my series of blog posts about ‘Coping with Christmas’. In Part I, I brought you four margaritas and in Part II, I offered the wise words of two other women. For Part III I’d like to venture that one way of coping with Christmas is the cold. And in my case I’m not talking snow or even that common viral infection of the nose. I’m talking water, five degrees or below.
This Thursday, for the first time ever, I will be joining a bunch of fellow lunatics for the annual Christmas morning race in the Serpentine Lake in London’s Hyde Park. Established in 1864, we will be competing for the much-prized Peter Pan Cup. Perhaps these are not the actions of a sane adult, but then who wants to be sane especially if you’ve got a chance to be Peter Pan and never grow up.
So think of me on the 25th December at 9am GMT or if you’re in London why not come on down and watch? Then give yourself the gift of cold this Christmas – a bracing walk, an icy shower. There’s nothing better than the cold to make you feel alive. And whatever you’re feeling about Christmas this year, remember it’s always a blessing to be alive and here.
Happy Christmas!
Wow! Not so much ‘coping with Christmas’ as redefining it! I’ll be thinking of you at 9 a.m. … and you’ll deserve your eggnog at 11!! xx
Redefinition is me! And yes eggnog at 11 definitely on the cards. Hope you have a wonderful one. See you in the new year. Jessica x
Woooow that’s just too cool! And so brave!! Best of luck. Hope you’ll let us know how it was. And in the meanwhile Merry Christmas. xx
Ah thank you! I definitely will. And happiest of Christmases to you. I’m so thrilled that this one’s going to be different for you and I love reading your posts (even if I’m sometimes slow to reply – this month in particular has been the busiest ever at work). But thank you always for your comments. It means a lot. Jessica x
Yeah!! Sounds brilliant! I’m in a masters squad but I’ve never left the comfort of a 50m pool! I should give open water swimming a try. Hope you have a good swim & a peaceful christmas. Much love, Laura x
Ah! A fellow swimmer! I wondered from your name – surfergirl – and the beautiful wave on your blog whether you were. You should definitely give open water swimming a try. I’ve swum on and off all my life (but never as dedicated as being in a masters squad) but next year am taking on the biggest challenge – swimming the Channel – which is part childhood dream part midlife crisis and maybe the sort of thing you go do when you can’t have a baby! I’ll be writing much more about the whole thing on my blog next year so hope you’ll stay posted. Happy Christmas Jessica x
All I can say is ‘you mad cow’. Enjoy anyway (I suppose?!). Have a lovely Christmas. Has been wonderful to meet you this year and on behalf of all the would-be Mums I work with, many of whom have told me how much support your work has been to them this year, a heartfelt thank you. Xxx
It’s been wonderful to meet you too and thanks for giving me so much encouragement and support. Wishing you the happiest of Christmases. Just off for my swim…!!! Jessica x