Merry Christmas
It’s a strange old festive period this year - I’ve lost a chunk of annual revenue from losing the nosebag work from my biggest client in a sudden manner, I turn 60 in a couple of weeks, my costs are set to rocket next year - partly due to the need to replace the car in June, and covering my upcoming January income tax bill which far exceeds the amount i’ve managed to pay myself this year because of my financial year changing by 11 months. Tough times lie ahead, so the ridiculous, and consumerist shenanigans of Christmas couldn’t come at a worse time to be honest.
The nippers seem to require more and more sophisticated presents as time goes on, and this year is no exception. Luckily, we put aside £120 a month into a jar (proper old-school), so this has completely covered all our festive expenditure including gifts and food. The day itself always involves us hosting the immediate family, and let me tell thee….it’s not cheap mate. I ventured into the People’s Republic of Newcastle a week ago, and the huge Tesco at Kingston Park was rammed to the hilt with folk laden with £600 worth of groceries in multiple trolleys - desperately fighting for the last jar of duck confit.
December has seen a revenue of just over a grand all-in, which just about covers my monthly outgoings. It means digging into savings to pay myself this month - which just isn’t sustainable for an extended period of time. I’ve surrendered to a short period of rest and relaxation so that I can begin rebuilding in 2025 having regained some energy and enthusiasm. My recent foray into the world of wild camping has continued, and i’m trying to get out there at least once per month during the winter months. My latest outing was a sole camp up in the Cheviot hills in mid December on an exposed ridge in the Harthope valley, being battered by 50mph winds and sub-zero temperatures all night. It sounds mad, but the solitude and mild adversity create a welcome contrast to the strains of everyday activities. Long may it continue. I started some video coverage with a view to setting up a specific Youtube channel, but I couldn’t be arsed after the first few clips. I’m better behind the camera if I’m honest.
So anyway - have a restful and enjoyable Christmas period, spend as much time as you can with the family you love, remember to put some cake out for Santy, and I’ll see you on the other side!
