The holidays of words

2 words forward

Where my nose goes

Who doesn't love a little alliteration? It's like the custard on the christmas pudding. But while I've been enjoying the season of gluttony I've also been relaxing. Yeah, I hear you. You're saying: You're a writer - relaxing is your job. And yes, for me you are completely right. Even the stress of writers block or the story that just won't turn where I want it to is relaxing for me. After years in crap jobs these are the things I live to do and I do love it. However, there are times when the old noggin' needs a bit of a break so I switch my place - I read voraciously. My nose comes out from behind the screen and entrenches itself in a book (or five!). But whether you're reading, watching the cricket (if you're in Australia), building snowmen (in the northern hemisphere) or eating far too much (international) have a great holiday period.

1 word back

Putting the 'X' in Xmas

It's okay, this entry isn't R rated. This time of year always reminds me of the importance of 'common usage'. I'm a big fan of common usage. It's what allows us to use words that aren't 'real' words. Basically, if a word or expression is known by enough people it becomes acceptable to use in printed pieces. Take, for instance, the word 'gonna'. It's not a proper word, it's a bastardisation of the phrase 'going to' but it's easily recognisable so it can be used for written work. This all comes back to xmas. According to wikipedia (I don't have much time for research - there are books to be read!) xmas originates from the greek letter X (pronounced 'Chi' but breathe the first part so it comes out like a harsh hiss). The 'X' is the first letter of Christmas in greek so it was abbreviated to our xmas. While some may think it's all a way to take the Christ out of Christmas this is not the case, although as someone who isn't christian you probably shouldn't take my word for it! Still, I always write xmas and I always will because it's a cute little shorthand way of referring to a day that's extremely fun and extremely busy and crazy. Happy Xmas to those of you who do the xmas thing, and for the rest be happy anyway. When you can appreciate the little things, like the wonder of common usage, you can find happiness everywhere.