So it's Christmas, the day many of us remember two shit-scared new parents welcoming a massively-hyped arrival in less than perfect conditions, and if that ain't a perfect representation of how 2018 feels, I don't know what is... 
...there have been much darker times in the last few decades, but they've rarely been this noisy or divided. When everyone has their own sources of news, it can feel like nothing is real.
Things like Christmas - whatever you believe in otherwise - are important, a breather...
Things like Christmas - whatever you believe in otherwise - are important, a breather...
...some of us can't take that breather, for many reasons.
They may be hurting from the loss of a loved one.
They may be forced to spend time with people who hurt them.
They may have nothing or no one to celebrate with.
For some of us, it might be the hardest time of all...
They may be hurting from the loss of a loved one.
They may be forced to spend time with people who hurt them.
They may have nothing or no one to celebrate with.
For some of us, it might be the hardest time of all...
...so it's a good time to remember that family - that institution that gets talked about so at Christmas - is way more than blood.
Family is who values you, and makes you feel safe.
Family is who is there when you're hurting and need someone to tend to you...
Family is who values you, and makes you feel safe.
Family is who is there when you're hurting and need someone to tend to you...
...never be afraid to spend this time of year with friends, or those that love you.
Don't be afraid to sit it out if you need to. Some of us deal with enough noise and stress, without that which comes at Christmas.
Be kind - not only to others, but to yourself...
Don't be afraid to sit it out if you need to. Some of us deal with enough noise and stress, without that which comes at Christmas.
Be kind - not only to others, but to yourself...
...I have to say though, there's nothing like reaching out to others at time of year, of sharing.
It's even a good time to the barriers we have, to spend a few minutes sharing that which we have in common.
In the end, it's not cliche BS - we really are all family...
It's even a good time to the barriers we have, to spend a few minutes sharing that which we have in common.
In the end, it's not cliche BS - we really are all family...
...this is turning into a sermon, so I'll wrap it up.
It's been a pretty shit time for many, and their are pretty shit times coming down the turnpike.
Odds are, were much likely to get through them if we spend time on kindness - to ourselves, to each other, to all mankind...
It's been a pretty shit time for many, and their are pretty shit times coming down the turnpike.
Odds are, were much likely to get through them if we spend time on kindness - to ourselves, to each other, to all mankind...
Merry Christmas to every single one of you wonderful dickheads, whether we're fast friends or firm foes the rest of the year.
May you have a wonderful time and, perhaps more importantly, a well-earned rest...
...and thank you for listening to my Alternative Message! ;)
May you have a wonderful time and, perhaps more importantly, a well-earned rest...
...and thank you for listening to my Alternative Message! ;)
