Stepping out

 Christmas Day, Hotel Belvedere, Vevey.

Xmas dinner. Forty people. Two strangers came in for dinner. I don't know where they came from considering that we are 6,000 feet up a mountain and, as far as I know, the funicular isn't running. They had to have a table in the middle of the room. Lights turned out for entry of blue-burning Xmas pudding. Admirable dinner.

By way of preparation, knowing that I would inevitably be expected to overeat, I went for a good walk this morning. A crisp and clear Christmas morning. Not many people about. Light frost on the ground which was good for walking. A satisfying crunch underfoot as the boot sank into the top surface of what would have been mud had the temperature been a few degrees higher. Deep lungfulls of cold mountain air. Remarkably clear air. Very invigorating and a success in terms of appetite cultivation. 

Is a hotel a good place to spend Xmas? Well, the main benefit is that one has no need to engage in the ritual effort to be pleasant and welcoming to relatives; far easier to be pleasant to people one does not know, and will not see again post festive season. Also, hardly any of the always embarrassing present business, just a small gift for and from Marguerite. I suppose this tradition has arisen from the alleged visit of the 'three wise men' to the newly delivered parents in Bethlehem, bearing gifts. In my opinion they would have been a lot wiser to have left the gifts at home for someone who could appreciate them. I ask you, what was the infant meant to do with gold, frankincense and myrrh? What is myrrh anyway? Incidentally I bet Joseph was looking closely at the infant to see if any resemblances came to mind. Nobody ever tells us what he thought about it all! Finally, the food is much better than at home. That I can vouch for. Most of the people here are British so it is hard to believe that one is abroad without stepping outside.

So, I shall need another stroll this evening, especially if, as seems likely, there will be additional temptations on the culinary front. I must gird my loins.