Well, I’ve had my rant at middle-aged male shoppers who stop when they get off escalators, people who fumble for discount coupons at the till and those who buy a cup of coffee and a bun in the John Lewis cafe and pay by debit card. So, you must be thinking, where is my festive spirit? Well, ensconced in Wales at my parents-in-law in a cosy room with a glass of bitter lemon I have had time to ponder. What does Christmas mean to me ? I’m not a Church-goer and am guilty of participating in 100% pagan traditions such as putting up a tree, hanging mistletoe ( though why I bothered I’ve no idea – no takers as yet ) and sending cards and presents. I decided that it means spending time with those you love, forgetting your hormonal spite and generally demonstrating a non-judgemental, philanthropic being. Which brings me on to my main complaint about Christmas 2009. Is it the commercialism that has got my goat? The unforgivable gluttony and spirit of excess and greed? The sight of ‘youngsters’ getting hammered outside Weatherspoons ? Why no. My gripe this year is with Marks and Spencer for removing the wonderful clip of Gene Hunt with a pint from their Christmas advert following eight complaints from a bunch of bitter bearded ladies. His re-filmed clip was still very pleasant to watch but lacked the macho spark that is Gene. Come on people get real – how sterile are we going to make our politically correct world ? Concentrate on real discriminatory issues and let us red-blooded sorts enjoy a bit of Gene. It’s harmless sexist fun. Carry on Gene – we love you!
