W L
‘ TIS THE SEASON !
BY DUGIE GEMMILL , PARKSIDE VETERINARY PRACTICE
That old Scottish cliché , beloved of character actors in old black and white movies , has been dusted off again these last few weeks – ‘ the nights are fair drawin ’ in ’. Aye , and there ’ s been more than a wee nip in the evening air ! Two facts , sadly only too obvious to the nurses , clients and vets at Parkside , as we still find ourselves meeting , greeting and communicating in the open air of the car park . The winter solstice is approaching , and the government have performed their umpteenth policy revision and finally set Christmas free , allowing us to plan the size and composition of our festive bubbles , to order our turkeys and buy our festive bubbly !
We have survived an annus horribilis . It is only eleven months since Wuhan , a city the size of London was entirely cut off from the world in a vain attempt to prevent a pandemic . The passing time seems somewhere between a decade and the blink of an eye , but the solstice is the time of year to always begin to look forward , not back .
Several things traditionally mark the approach of Christmas at Parkside Vets . The tree this year looks lovely but has performed its own Yuletide U-turn and has turned its best face to the car park rather than the waiting room . This year she has drawn a lot more praise from clients than normal . Secret Santa gifts must be planned and exchanged . After the trials and difficulties , we have all endured this year we are almost like entrenched and battlehardened troops . I fully expect to arrive at work and hear news of a Christmas Day football match in the snow !
A general giddiness is gradually building throughout December as each busy day brings us closer to the holiday . The generosity and kindness from our community of pet owners seems magnified this year . We have been humbled by the cards , festive wishes , and gifts of chocolates and wine to be raffled amongst the staff . A wonderful client , Mrs Mac , made a special trip to the practice one morning and brought us a dozen delicious , artisan pork pies . The delighted sighs and smiling faces were a sight to behold as they were set upon by a hungry pack of veterinarians !
What marks Christmas for me is the fellowship and warmth between colleagues , friends , and family . There is no doubt that 2020 has tested us all . There will be sadness this year for those who find themselves without loved ones or separated from their family at home or abroad . However this unity and fellowship has brought us this far , and will carry us on , and we can but hope that on the other side we will be stronger for the experience .
Remember to sip your mulled wine , smile when the mistletoe catches you and catch the cat when it falls out the tree ! Enjoy all you can , be kind , be hopeful , be grateful .
Oh , and please don ’ t give Christmas pudding , nuts or chocolate to your dogs , nor let them eat tinsel and wrapping paper !
Please do accept the heartfelt festive wishes from Drew , Emily , Lisa , Gemma , Shell , Chanelle , Lauren , Amy , Hayley , Jane , Tracey , Louise , Lou and Chris ... and from Dr Gilbert and I , Merry Christmas and a happy New Year !!!
26 wirrallife . com