The season of goodwill is upon us! The shops online and in the High Streets are buzzing with Christmas fare. There are 3 for 2 and 50% off, etc, enticing us to spend our hard-earned cash. But I have become more savvy over the years. I now make a list and stick to it with self-inflicted discipline to keep myself from going overboard. I learned my lesson the hard way years ago, and now I am one step ahead of the crafty retailers’ advertising. Seriously, write a list. I do mine around the beginning of August (yes, as early as that). And, bit by bit, I find out what the grandkids have their little hearts set on, except George, who is 7 and will chop and change from one week to the next and start putting money aside when I price things up. The older grandkids all want money, so that is easy, and I begin to put money away for them from the beginning of the year; believe me, you don't notice it so much. Around October, I look at my Christmas decoration...
Yesterday morning, I found myself at the local bus station, casually people-watching — my favourite free entertainment. As I scanned the waiting crowd, one thing stood out: nearly every single person was glued to their mobile phone. Heads down, thumbs scrolling, eyes locked on tiny screens like moths to a digital flame.
Even couples sitting side by side weren’t talking to each other — not a peep! Their conversations had been replaced by swipes and emojis. It got me wondering: how on earth did we survive before these magical pocket-sized gadgets took over?
And it wasn’t just the teenagers — oh no. I saw plenty of grown-ups and silver-haired folks equally mesmerised by their screens. Well, almost everyone. My fellow 65-and-overs? We seemed to be the last holdouts in this tech takeover. Maybe that’s why my mobile was tucked safely away in my bag while I took in the scene around me.
Still, I’m no complete dinosaur. I do love having my trusty mobile for calling home, checking in, or when someone needs to reach me. It’s super convenient — like having a tiny lifeline in my purse.
So yes, while I miss the days of eye contact and small talk, I get the appeal. Mobile phones: can’t live without ’em, but sometimes I wish we’d live a little more with each other.
Now… where did I put my phone?
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