Batteries not included: Christmas day of energy switches on at 6am

By John O’Mahony - Thursday, December 24, 2009 – Irish Examiner

T’WAS the dawn of Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring – except for children sneaking round the house,

When down in the front room there arose such a clatter,

Springing sleepy parents from their beds (about 6am) to see what was the matter...

It’s the stuff of tradition.

Despite stern warnings the night before, curiosity gets the better of over excited children, as they scamper to see if their wishes really came true.

According to an analysis of electricity usage, the madness of Christmas kicks off in the average Irish house at 6am with the switching on of front room lights to reveal the magic of Santa’s kindness.

Add to that kettles, Playstations, MP3s, PSPs, laptops, V-techs, televisions, iPhones, DVDs and a variety of electric gizmos and power usage begins to peak as the big day routine kicks in.

Ovens on, turkeys basted, vegetables prepped and out the door to religious ceremonies where there’s no chance of a seat next to the choir. Dozens of kisses, handshakes, later it’s off on a lightning tour of relations before sitting down for a meal befitting the Three Kings.

Then begins the fight for the remote control, as the half-pound of Brussels spouts takes its toll and grandad nods off after the third glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The wattage use winds down as Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory winds up, children and cousins head upstairs to wreak their own brand of havoc.

Then it’s off again on the whistle-stop family tour – distant relations, strange coloured jumpers, socks for the bottom drawer and a chance to avenge last year’s card game defeat.

Then home before 10 for one last feed of turkey.

How Christmas lights up our lives...



Comment:

I guess Christmas morning is the same all over the world for those fortunate enough to have a home in which to celebrate it. Please say a prayer for all those less fortunate and also for our valiant American troops serving in harm’s way and their families. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All. Le gach dea-ghui i gcoir na Nollag agus na hAthbhliana