Joy to the World

...... or at least to Stockton High Street.
I'd spent a worrying few days while my mother was very poorly, but she was feeling a little better today and others in the family were sitting with her so Denis and I took time off to watch the switch on of the Christmas lights. I always think that we start to celebrate Christmas too early and with too much spending of money but that seems to be the way of the Western world today. The Mayor and Mayoress hadn't been too well for the last couple of days either so I was relieved for them and for all the families braving the cold when the early morning snow covering disappeared and the afternoon seemed set to stay dry. The fun fair in the High St struck me as loud and a bit discordant but it was obviously popular so who am I to deny pleasure to others. As darkness fell the steam bus drove into view, it's plume of steam catching the lights from the fair rides and shop fronts. To a loud cheer the Mayor disembarked along with the celebrities who were to press the switch. John looked splendid in his robes and chain - at least as festive as Santa. But the big cheers weren't for the Mayor and Mayoress - it was the TV and football stars whom people had come to see. The crowd counted down, the switch was pressed and the High Street took on its magical Christmas garb. Fireworks completed the show and the crowds dispersed. Happy children, happy parents, and some relieved organisers who'd worked very hard behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the entertainment and the switch on.