Linda Hall: Turn Mr Grinch into Mr Grin

Linda Hall is assistant editor at Hawke's Bay Today.

Please sing the next line: "I want to wish you a merry Christmas, I want to wish you a merry Christmas, I want to wish you a merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart."

Stop singing.

I hope whatever you are doing on Wednesday, or whoever you are with, that you have a lovely day.

Eat drink and be merry ... well, only drink if you can be merry.

If drinking makes you loud and obnoxious, lay off the booze for the day and let everyone have a good time.

Nothing kills a good day faster than someone who has drunk so much alcohol they don't care what they say or do.

And let's face it, Christmas Day can be quite stressful for some people - families who have in-laws they don't really get on with that well; an uncle or an aunt that you just know is going to say something to upset someone; excited, loud children; stressed out, hot-and-bothered cooks.

There are plenty of things that can make a day meant for family and friends turn to custard.

So if you know alcohol is going to loosen your tongue, drink fizzy.

My Christmas is going to be a tiny bit sad this year. For the first time since my eldest daughter was born, I won't see her on Christmas Day. In fact, I won't see any of my three daughters.

Luckily for me, my son and his lovely family will be here and I'll also be spending time with my mum and siblings.

I really dread the day I don't get to share Christmas with at least one little person. You just can't help but smile while watching young children open presents. They have no idea of money value and get just as excited over something from the $2 Shop as they do from something that costs $100.

How quickly that changes, especially these days when children can find all manner of things they "must have" online.

I know there are people out there who will be all alone so, if you know someone in this situation, knock on their door and say "Merry Christmas" or pick up the phone.

As for the Christmas grinches out there - and I must say that the majority of them are males, be nice.

I don't understand grinches but, according to them (I know because I live with one), Christmas is just another day and "I don't see what the point is of spending all that money".

Well, Mr Grinch, it's because it makes me feel good. So how about just living up to the first part of your name for this year only and be Mr or Ms Grin. You never know, you might just enjoy yourself.

I dragged my Mr Grinch along to the Fiesta of Lights at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds on Saturday night. When we arrived and saw the huge queue, he was not impressed.

I must admit, waiting 15 to 20 minutes to get in was not ideal. It's open only for two hours from 9pm to 11pm and, when we came out at about 9.45pm, the queue was still huge. All it would have taken to sort it out was another person at the gate.

However, it was great to see all the families out enjoying a fantastic light show. Although the event is funded by Hastings District Council, NZ Lotteries, Hastings Creative Communities and Public Dreams Trust, it is run by volunteers. So thank you, volunteers for giving up your time so others can enjoy themselves.

Take care out there, people - and have a wonderful Christmas.