AND FINALLY

CHECKING previous columns for this time of year, I find too many earnest resolutions.

For example, if I had £10 for the number of times I’ve made a New Year vow to drink less alcohol I could splurge on a bottle of vintage Cristal champagne or two.

And if I followed my own stern injunctions to work on a really serious book and do less journalism, I wouldn’t be writing this column, would I?

All too often our resolutions express themselves in terms of giving things up.

Or we beat ourselves up about not exercising enough, and so on. All worthy and sensible maybe, but, on the whole, negative. That’s all very well, but right now I’m whispering, ‘To hell with the hair shirt — bring on the hedonism!’

At this cold, dark time of year I’m all for enjoyment.

The concept of hedonism is about more than selfish pleasure, it’s an ethical system which declares delight as a proper goal for humankind.

Hooray! Asked to choose between feasting or fasting (those food fads) which brings you most enjoyment? Yes, give me chips.

One of the earliest stories in history is the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh (dating back to the 18th century BC).

Apart from being a terrific account of the power of friendship, it contains this gem of advice: ‘Fill your belly. Day and night make merry. Let days be full of joy. Dance and make music day and night . . . These things alone are the concern of men.’

And women! Oh, I know life can be very hard, that we all have plenty to worry about — and many people have terrible problems to bear.

That’s precisely why it’s important to rejoice in the smallest things.

They could include a child’s unintentionally funny remark, laughter with a good friend, a bunch of early daffodils, nails looking good after a manicure, time alone with a good book or favourite magazine, a long hot shower.

My jolly resolution is to notice good things every day — and add to them, instead of giving up. So Happy New Year to everybody and (clink) ‘Cheers!’