RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30633, 26 December 1964, Page 24

RANDOM REMINDER

GO SLOW

After all those excesses of yesterday, it’s time to sit back and reflect, while your loved ones fuss about seeing to your comfort. In Switzerland they have a quaint custom on Boxing Day, when the man of the house is not allowed to raise a finger to do anything, and whatever he may demand in food, drink and light entertainment is provided. It may not be Switzerland. It may not be Boxing Day. But its our story and we’re going to stick to it

But this is a good day to resist all efforts to get you active. Time ahead, sunblistered days of it, for holidays and rushing hither and thither untangling fishing lines, picking up children, wiping up icecreams, stubbing untutored toes, eating half-cooked meals and laughing heartily at poor jokes. No, it’s not time for holidays yet. And there’s no need to spend today practising getting up a low tent in a high wind, or showing your children how to tie

sailors’ knots. Nothing to do, in fact, but enjoy the sunshine, if any, and simply browse about the green pasture of your life. Nibble a little nostalgia, chew thoughtfully on what the future has to hold. No spitting allowed.

Boxing Day derives its name from an old custom of giving Christmas boxes the day after Christmas. You deserve a present. Simply help yourself to a large slice of idleness. Let the others fuss and hurry. You’ll be doing your share before long.