Merry Mithras

The kitchen is stocked with enough food to see me into the New Year. Still to decide whether to cook a chilli or a stir-fry come the day, but all the ingredients are there, ready and waiting. There’s even a present waiting for me. Since there isn’t a tree to put it under, it’s beside the television.

Everyone I can think of, whether they have been naughty or nice, has been wished a Happy Holiday. Typically, when I decide to stay in London for the first time in years, an absolutely delightful actress I haven’t seen in over a year just texted to say that she will be down in Devon and wondered if I wanted to meet up for a drink the day after Boxing Day. Hopefully we can arrange a date when she returns to the capital in the New Year.

In the meantime, we celebrate... Mithras Day?

For anyone who missed the Christmas edition of QI last night:

The Roman God Mithras was a saviour, sent to Earth to live as a mortal, through whom it was possible for sinners to be reborn into immortal life. He died for our sins, but came back to life the following Sunday.

He was born of a virgin on December 25th in a manger or perhaps cave, attended by shepherds, and became known as the light of the world. He had twelve disciples with whom he shared a last meal before dying. His devotees symbolically consumed the flesh and blood of him.

Because Mithras was the sun god he was worshiped on Sundays. He is often depicted with a halo around his head and Mithrasists gave each other gifts on December 25th.

Whichever deity you follow, or whether you’re simply just celebrating surviving the Winter Solstice, have an enjoyable Christmas.

May god be between you and harm in all the empty places you walk.