It's that time of year again, that special time when we all suddenly wish each other well, give gifts to friends and family as a token of our affection as well as selflessly giving money to charity and thinking of those who are not as fortunate as ourselves. What a wonderful sentiment Xmas inspires and were it not for human nature it would work perfectly. Personally I don't need a special date on my calendar to love my friends and family, nor do I reserve good deeds for just one time each year but then I'm one of those poor sick puppies who is poorly socially adjusted.

Utter amazement holds me in its thrall as I witness this season of greed, competition, rudeness and indifference unfold. I wonder if the world around me has lost it's meaning for those cold stoney inhabitants who seem to patrol the malls and stores like so much cattle. This dream of imagined happiness that can be purchased, packaged, wrapped and given, complete with proof of purchase should the procured joy be inadequate in some way.

It seems so convenient that affection can be demonstrated with a quick flash of cash in a last minute dash to the shops, the concept of this neat package leaves me cold, it seems inhuman in so many ways. Maybe I am wrong, perhaps people really do get huge gratification from this brand (or perhaps 'branded') form of caring.