I know I used this quotation two years ago but it’s as apt today as it has ever been.
“There are people who will tell you that Christmas is not to them what it used to be; that each succeeding Christmas has found some cherished hope, or happy prospect, of the year before, dimmed or passed away; that the present only serves to remind them of reduced circumstances and straitened incomes……
Never heed such dismal reminiscences………..draw your chair nearer the blazing fire – fill the glass and send round the song – and if your room be smaller than it was a dozen years ago, or if your glass be filled with reeking punch, instead of sparkling wine, put a good face on the matter, and empty it off-hand, and fill another, and troll off the old ditty you used to sing, and thank God it’s no worse.”
Charles Dickens Sketches by Boz (1836).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all readers and supporters of crimepieces. I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read and comment on my reviews this year and I look forward to discussing all things crime fiction with you in 2014.