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Tuesday 24 December 2019

Coffee and a wander; its Christmas Eve

As is my wont, I find simple but compelling reasons to walk. 
Today is no exception.
Today's excuse is a new set of pillows(mine have seriously reached end of life) and a really nice coffee.
Perfect.
It's an excuse to walk into town, look in Poundstretchers, pick up some of their hotel quality pillows and then head for Finches. They do serve excellent coffee and as I can't get to Costa (still flooded along River Walk),  I settled for Finches. 
Coming out of Pounstretchers I noticed McDonald's was closed, signs upon the doors.
"Wonder what that's about?" Grinning at the displacement of so many people in need of their burger and fries fix, I headed into Finches......half the lights off, no tills, bits of paper and Cash Only signs out.
I noticed the main lights were out and they were running on "window" lighting.
It was lovely, everywhere felt Christmassy, cozy and wintry. People appeared more friendly, laughing, happy, chatting to those in the queue waiting to be served by buoyant staff armed with paper, carbon and a calculator. There was a warmth in people, something more often than not missing in the modern, retail world.
The buzz in the place was electric, and Christmas was truly in the air.
Is this something we are missing these days?
That cosiness we had the luxury of enjoying in that café? That dimming of the natural light and the harshness of the Christmas tree lights which shone out on that darkness.
Is this the magic we have lost perhaps? Is this what top end restaurants cash in on when they create an atmosphere of dim lights, candles and soft, festive decorations; that bright and beautiful tree with faux presents scattered beneath?
I thought back to Christmases past and pondered......what was it that made Christmas feel magical?