It's boxing day here in Oz, and I am SO glad Christmas is over. Last night we had friends round for the day/evening, the kids jumped in the pool, etc, so it wasn't exactly stressful, yet I'm glad it's over.
The Jehovah's Witness family who live in front of us have moved away for Christmas (it's a JW thing, apparently many do it) and I think they've got the right idea.
If I had my own island, I would advertise it as McGookin Island where people whose Christmas experience is traditionally fraught with family arguments and sad memories could come to escape the so-called festivities. I think I'd establish a Folk Music Festival for my fellow crap musicians so they could say "I'd love to come to Christmas at Aunt Gidget's, but I'm booked to appear on McGookin Island, sorry, Huge gig. See you in the new year. Maybe."
Once someone had booked their few days on McGookin Island, I would send them an official certificate, booking slip or decree so they could display it to their family as proof that they can't possibly accompany them on the eight hour trip to Cornwall or (in Australia) Yorkie's Knob, as they are required to be somewhere else. Look, here is the certificate. It says "This Is Not Negotiable".
Oh yes, I've got it all worked out.
