I’m always uneasy about the “Happy New Year” greetings that we belt out to anyone that we meet, either on social media or in person. Whenever I hear these words, I have a mental vison of a grinning Ken Dodd, manically waving his ‘tickling stick’, whilst singing that rather troubling song ‘Happiness’. In reality, of course, we are not meant to be happy all the time, and we need the bad times to help us to appreciate the good times. I’m far happier with a greeting of “A Healthy New Year” than just focussing on the ‘Happy’ part, but I know that I am once again in danger of overthinking the issue.

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© Barrie Mahoney 2025

It is strange how those who have moved to another country to live and work, develop a craving for something that reminds them of life in their countries of origin. I guess it is not that surprising really, as Christmas is a time of the year when our memories, particularly as we get older, recall times gone by, both happy and sad. Many of those special times have occurred, of course, over the Christmas and New Year period; many of us will have fond memories of families and friends, of precious times spent together, unique family traditions, gifts and special food that appeared at this time of the year.

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at my websites: http://barriemahoney.com and http://thecanaryislander.com or read my books, podcasts and blogs about living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands.
Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney

© Barrie Mahoney 2025

I wonder if anyone remembers the BBC television comedy ‘Hi-de-Hi’, which was first broadcast in the 1980s? It was classic, camp comedy, which was based upon a fantasy world of a not so glamorous ‘Butlins style’ holiday camp. Looking back, it became a kind of documentary, since I remember visiting a number of British holiday camps that were very similar to the fictional ‘Maplins’ featured in the show...

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at my websites: http://barriemahoney.com and http://thecanaryislander.com or read my books, podcasts and blogs about living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands.
Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney

© Barrie Mahoney 2025