Cheer up everybody, it’s just seven months ’til Christmas!

Holidays are out and the sporting calendar has been ripped up, so Jim Duffy needs something to look forward to

As a 50-something, who now feels like a 50-something, life is passing me by. The next big event is my 60th birthday. Yikes! Sixty! I remember when I was ten, when I was 18, when I was 35. I was literally invincible then. But, now as an older guy living through a pandemic and approaching a big old milestone birthday, I need something better to look forward to. Something more meaningful that I can pin some nice and positive thoughts on. And do you know I think I’ve found it. It’s Christmas.

And when you think about it for a second it actually makes sense.

I exaggerated a little on the age thing. I have a few years before I hit 60. And some decent birthdays to look forward to in between I hope. But, as I sit and observe what coronavirus has done and is doing to people and society, I need to stretch my imagination a little. And possibly you do too.

Coming out of lockdown is going to feel strange for so many of us. Walking back into an eerie world of face masks, social distancing and whatever the new normal looks like. One thing is for sure. The annual holiday is looking like it ain’t happening. The summer break and getting away to warmer climates is so vital for us. It punctuates Easter from Christmas and gives us all a mental boost. It enhances our wellbeing. But not this year I fear.

With so many counties invoking quarantine rules after travel, it is putting a real damper on the holiday season. Resorts in Europe are trying to open up, but social distancing, disinfection and strict local rules mean that the usual behaviours will be suppressed. Airlines and airports are striving hard to get back up to speed. These businesses need us to use up our vouchers and buy more tickets. But again, new rules and regs are stifling progress. And add to this, the nervousness of huge swathes of the population about actually going out again and it just compounds the pressure to give this year’s annual holiday a wide berth.

Then there was always sport to pep us up in the summer. Of course Wimbledon was abandoned and horse racing is suspended. No Glorious Goodwood this year. No British Formula One with roads heaving with traffic around Silverstone. And the golf also looks like a damp squib. And for once, I fully realise how important these events are to boosting people’s spirits and providing great entertainment. I haven’t mentioned football yet, but it sits here in pole position really. Cup finals and end of league nail-bitters ain’t happening this year by the looks of things. One can feel the frustration in football fans who live for the sport. And while not a big footie fan, even I am feeling a little miffed at not getting to watch the cup finals.

Next up as the final spoilsport for the summer is my partner’s 40th. Well, not just hers. All her chums are having their big birthday this year and in short they have postponed it till next year. As we all know lockdown or semi-lockdown birthdays, even on Zoom, are not quite the same.

So, with all this stuff going on or not going on, you can see why I am so excited for Christmas now. And many of you may feel the same way.

As the jobs market opens up, many will return to work. But, it won’t be the same. Some companies will fold soon after opening. Customers may not return as quickly as hoped. Schools, colleges and universities will eventually go back to normal after the summer. But, there will be so much to sort out as many appeal exam results and placings. Gyms