Adrian Phelan

Post 13

Quick intro| Boxing Stephen’s| It’s a Wonderful Life| Chris Rea| Christmas past| Samaritans| Thanks| Links to previous posts

Welcome to this week’s blog. 

Happy St Stephen’s* Day. They say Good King Wenceslas looked out on it. And how did he like his pizzas? That’s right, deep pan, crisp and even. ba‑dum‑tish!

It’s like it’s rained Cadburys Heroes and Mars’ Celebrations wrappers in our house. Not one made the bin without prompt. I’m going to be finding them discarded behind soft furnishings for months.  

I’m placating myself with The Snowman and The Snowdog however. It is one of my favourites.  

Before I get into the blog a quick shout out to Zeroes Band who did a great gig last Sunday night. We sang the night away and it really added to the Christmas build-up. Look out for their gigs in 2026.  

*Boxing Day to some  

A few bits on Christmas  

I’m writing this with It’s a Wonderful Life on d’ telly. If I have seen it before I don’t remember it, so curious to see what the fuss is about. So far, so good. I’m quite enjoying it. I’ve come back to this paragraph now the film’s over and I have to say it has made me think. I know we’re not quick to share our lows on social media and in places like this blog, but we all have them. My hope for everyone is that we would see the world as a place that is better with us in it. I certainly do 😊. If you need some re-affirming, maybe take a couple of hours out to watch the movie. You should have plenty of time during the Chrimbo limbo* where your brain is programmed to forget what day it is. Remember to double-check your bin schedule.  

*27-30 December when not much happens 

Road to Heaven  

You might call It’s a Wonderful Life a Christmas institution. Sadly, the creator of another one, Chris Rea died on Monday. He joins George Michael, Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl for the great posthumous Christmas singalong wherever they may be, if anywhere at all.  

Chris Rea was more than just Driving Home for Christmas of course and I did read that his love of cars influenced his songwriting with Road to Hell being another one of his big hits. Nonetheless his passing is a sad loss, and it’s poignant that it would be at Christmas time.  

I’m extending thoughts to those who are spending their first Christmas without loved ones who passed away during the year. Thinking of you most at this time and holding very dear another Christmas I get to spend with my own family, both here and down the WhatsApp line. 

A toast to Christmases past 

To be mildly self-indulgent for a few words I want to reminisce about an unusual couple of Christmases from when I was young. In the mid-eighties (I know I don’t look old enough) me and my siblings spent two consecutive Christmas mornings at RTE (Ireland’s BBC) when our choir was invited to sing on the TV mass. I remember those Christmases fondly, with the usual routine of going to the local church, broken up. With the buzz of Santa still fresh, going on a coach trip with a load of friends and then appearing on live TV was very exciting. I have no doubt the break our parents got was welcome too.  

At the time, mass was a real inconvenience on Christmas Day, coming between you, your new toys, sweet treats and the telly. What did it have to do with Christmas anyway? On reflection of course that was what Christmas was all about. And in fairness to our local church, they did have quite a substantial crib that was a big part of making us feel Christmassy. This was doubled-down at home with our own make-shift crib and advent candles. As a non-believer now, I have cooled down on most things Christian, but I will still allow the memories to be fond. 

Do Good Well – The Samaritans 

I want to make this week’s charity The Samaritans. I don’t think they need any introduction but a reminder that they provide confidential, non‑judgemental emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. If you think you need their help, do reach out.  

Bye for now and thanks  

A slightly shorter post this week. Once again, Happy St Stephen’s/Boxing Day. I do hope you’re having a cool Yule and that you get to enjoy some downtime during the Chrimbo Limbo.  

As always, I am still looking for my next substantive post so do keep me in mind. Here is my CV.   

Adrian    

07974669338   

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk   

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan 

Previous posts

Scroll to read a previous issue. The first Adrian’s All was published on 3 October 2025.

20 December 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

12 December 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

5 December 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

28 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

21 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

14 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

7 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

31 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

24 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

17 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

10 October 

Adrian’s All – Fairy tales of a jobseeker

3 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker