Boxing Day

On the BBC news this morning a correspondent tells us that ' the situation in Nigeria is complicated '. He then starts to run through a never ending list of rival Islamic separatist groups before the presenter says a firm 'thank you' and cuts him abruptly off.

The village hall gathering for the Kings Speech was almost over by the time we showed up. The older generation of farmers stand for the singing of the anthem. The younger generations are too busy stopping five year olds from pulling down the Christmas tree to notice. As always the village dogs do their own thing amid slightly irritated 'shushing' by their owners. We go along for the simple reason it is one of the few remaining 'ties that bind'. It  survives here because it is the perfect excuse for busy mothers to get the table cleared and usher everyone outside. Practicality rules. The choice of a Ukrainian choir for the closing carol well received by all and sundry. :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBtcdGoLP54 

More hopeful golfers are lined up on the first tee of the Old Course. It's another mild morning which makes queuing easier. Local dog owners navigate round them. Bobble hats are much in evidence although a festive few have opted for the elfin look.

There's an air of festive playfulness among those waiting to tee off. Sometimes there's a dull thud as someone clips the ball and sends it into the rough. This is followed by clapping or comments like ' Have you ever played before ?' Foursomes head purposefully down the fairway under the watchful eyes of breakfasters in the fancy hotels.

Out at sea a group of surfers are enjoying the waves.

By eight thirty the beach is packed with locals and visitors walking off yesterdays extra helpings. In a small, off season town like this people take lots of long walks. The canine population are delighted.

A guitarist and a Scottish singer. The local radio is slowly preparing for Hogmanay with a more 'reflective' choice of music :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC_j_dzkaVE&list=RDyC_j_dzkaVE&index=1

A Christmas Eve school concert . The drummers are very serious. We are now about to enter peak piping season :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5oB-Ka78ss

A Canadian poem :https://lenispooner.substack.com/p/what-we-keep-doing-anyway

History :https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2025/11/the-making-of-a-techno-nationalist-elite/