This is the year when I officially joined the ‘Grumpy Old Women Brigade’. My nearest and dearest would probably say that I’ve been a paid up member for years, but I think I’m reasonable cheerful most of the time. Well until now... Now it’s Christmas, I’m beginning to think they’re right as I seem to be spending a lot of time moaning. Here are some of the reasons why I’m feeling grumpy at Christmas.

Supermarket staff in their own clothes

I know Dress Down Day’s have grown in popularity over the past few years but it’s not something I’ve ever seen in my local supermarket. There I was at 5 am yesterday morning happily doing my Christmas food shopping when I was confronted with a shop full of people pushing shopping trollies and stacking shelves dressed just like me.

Well actually that’s a bit of an exaggeration. They weren’t dressed quite like me. I wasn’t wearing a leopard print onesie with the hood up or hot pants and tomato coloured tights or some equally hideous outfit. Okay it wasn’t all the staff but it was so many I couldn’t pick out who were actually staff And this is the same supermarket who’s complained about mothers turning up in their pyjamas. I’m sorry I think they just lost the moral high ground. Grump, grump!

TV presenters wearing silly adornments

Yesterday I was waiting for a weather report though I’m not sure why when it seems inaccurate on so many occasions but there you are. However, when it did come on I managed to miss it as I was so surprised at the weather presenters appearance.

Although wearing a perfectly pleasant dress she looked like she’d just come from playing an angel in the school’s nativity play as nestled in her hair was a silver coronet of tinsel. Now judging by her age she’d probably just come straight from the office party not primary school but either way she looked ridiculous. It’s not Christmas Day – there are still 4 days to go! Grump, grump

Buying incomplete gifts (especially my own!)

Now the only person I really buy gifts for these days is either my husband or myself. Yes you heard it myself. My husband bought me three Christmas gifts the year before we were married and hasn’t managed any since. Now I don’t have very expensive tastes so I thought I’d treat myself to a new hot water bottle!

Yesterday I found a very nice one with a cream knitted cover with a red heart. Slight festive – but probably the wrong festival. The packaging was so tired, I suspected that it was left over from Valentine’s Day but I didn’t mind and was pleased that it was reduced.

However, happiness turned to irritation when I got home and found my new hot water bottle had no stopper. Yes I can return it – but not today as the shops will be hell next week I’ll be stuck in cues with all the other shoppers returning unwanted, useless or broken presents. Grump! Grump!

All small inconsequential things I know but I should also add

Patronizing cooks on TV cooking some obscure dish claiming that it’s made with store cupboard ingredients – Hmm not mine. I do wonder on what planet they live on ...

TV cooks who think no one’s capable of cooking a turkey and keep telling us it’s ‘easy if we follow a few simple instructions’ – Oh please been there done that for absolutely years without your help. Grump!

All the Christmas theme items in the shops: - eg Christmas vases, t- towels, aprons, tins, cake holders, Christmas cds, Christmas underwear, Christmas hats, jumpers and crummy stocking fillers. They make me feel queasy. Too many of them will probably find their way to some landfill dump in the days directly after Christmas.

People moaning about the stress of Christmas when it’s self induced. Yes I know I sound a touch hypocritical, but I’m referring to the people who insist on spending huge amounts they can’t afford, invite people round they don’t get on with and cook Christmas dishes no one likes because of tradition.

People not bothering to say thank you for Christmas presents – say no more .... Grump! Grump!

The tinny Christmas music played by Sky when I’m trying to choose the next TV programme I want to watch. I KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS FOR GOODNESS SAKE. I don’t need reminding.

The TV adverts which alternately tug at my heart strings – lonely pensioners, abused children, cold families, the homeless followed by happy children, people enjoying themselves to excess or buying ridiculously expensive gifts. They make me feel sad, confused and irritated all at once.

So there you are. Oh yes look at this list I have definitely joined the Grumpy Old Women Brigade moaning about nothing in particular. Now don’t get me started on New Year ....