It’s our first week back at work
And I sit behind the reception desk
So people keep asking me
“How was your Christmas?”
Or greeting me 
With “Happy New Year”

Which is confusing

Because Christmas wasn’t 
And New Year was months ago
Surely?

I’m very bad at lying 
I hesitate 
Then tell the truth
The short version 
With the worst bits left out

Which turns out to be ok

Lots of the people asking
Then share their own tales
Of a less than perfect holiday season
So many of them grandparents 
Who couldn’t be with family
And we laugh together 
Saying “Could have been worse!”

Which is true

#notasbadasvogons