It’s what people say as the New Year approaches. Christmas was good fun, pity the TV shows weren’t better, we ate well – too well in some cases, giving and receiving presents happened to mutual satisfaction, here in the U.K. we battled against the bitter cold weather so that being warm at home was an extra pleasure, the family times were precious….but now it’s over, and we have to ‘get back to normal.’

But what is normal? And once defined, is it worth returning to the safety zone that normality might represent. Was the crazy Christmas thing nearer to reality in fact, than the normal routine of our lives? Is feasting and loving and memory-sharing what a lot of life should be about? It’s a particularly poignant question for older people who need parameters to their lives and for whom major surprises can threaten a sense of wellbeing. Of course, two days in December can’t equal the significance of the other three hundred and sixty three days of the year, though they can challenge them.

Our city produces several monthly magazines which cost nothing but are designed to encourage their readers to buy from prestigious shops and eat at expensive restaurants. In the current edition of ‘Bath Scene’ there is a section which suggests various ideas for ‘self-improvement’ in the New Year. A Health and Fitness Club offers new ‘technogymn’ cardio equipment; a physiotherapy clinic at Fitness First offers similar facilities (with the added reassurance – presumably if things go wrong – that the firm is recognised by all major insurance companies). Another advert asks if you have ever dreamt of being your own boss –if so ‘Business Link’ can help. There’s another advert for gastric banding as an effective weight loss surgery. And Smiley White’s claim to be the premier professional cosmetic laser teeth whitening company.

A ‘vibefitness power plate’ is offered by another company whose slogan is ‘a better body on a plate’. (I’m not making these up).

It’s an old custom to make New Year Resolutions, but the encouragement in these adverts all have to do with the body and putting yourself into the eager hands of those who doubtless want to be of help, but more want to make money out of you. We are making a few promises to ourselves in this two-person family, and because 2011 will mean a significent birthday for me, we plan to do more travelling than usual – to so raise our horizons that our normal becomes a bit unusual.

But we have no plans for ‘a better body on a plate’.

Bryan