Will Johnston: The point of Christmas

What's the point of Christmas?

Ooooo that will get some people up in arms, you know the ones I'm talking about. Those who have the one track mind and live in a slight fantasy world that Christmas is only about one thing.

Here's some starters for the point of Christmas from a guy in his early thirties with jack all 'life experience' (whatever the heck that is), no kids and a rabbit. So I'm unqualified. But no one's making you read this, right?!

The point is that there is no point. Not one specifically.

Let's get the spiritual part done first; whatever you believe in, if this is an important time of year for you in that regard then congratulations. You have a deeper understanding of the origins of this point of the year than many others. You live near Bethlehem you say? Perfect.

Next point: Booze. Enough said (you know it, don't lie to yourself).

Giving is next. You've just stuffed yourself with more food than a body can handle right? Give anything to the Tauranga Foodbank appeal this year? No? The need doesn't stop after Xmas, do it. I love giving. I actually think it's because I'm a bit selfish, I like to see the look on someone's face when you give them something (parents know what I'm talking about).

Food. Tonnes of it, outdoors, cooked on a BBQ. Maybe the public ones at Tay St, Pilot Bay, Yatton Park (yes, Yatton Park) or Ohope for a day trip? There's no calories at Christmas! That's what my Mum said, though I was a fat kid. So she might have been off the mark a tad.

Sleeping! This is mandatory after Christmas lunch. Don't fight the 'dribble-sleep'. You know that one where you're so full you fall asleep in your chair cos you can't actually move; mouth open, saliva trying to reject your mouth as a hospitable environment, as it heads for your chin. I'm only 31 and even I've done that ugly sleep. My girlfriend's a lucky girl.

Receiving! It makes me a good person because I put this after giving, right?! 'It's the thought that counts'... Bollocks it is! Tell that to a 6 year old that you've given just a card and no present, they probably can't even read your handwriting anyway, why bother with the card?! Also, imagine how good receiving something is if you were struggling to provide for your family, or lonely? I guess that's why giving really went before receiving.

Final point of Christmas? People. Even the ones in your family you don't really like. I think I'm that guy in my family, funnily enough, at least I know I'm that guy! It's about being together when you can and remembering the ones that can't be there for any reason. Enjoy the moment, reflect, look to the future, eat, repeat. Christmas sorted!

Will Johnston is host of The Hits 95FM Day Show. Live and local from 9am-3pm, every weekday in the Bay of Plenty.