This year Sheila’s elves have been so busy that they appealed for a postponement of Christmas that was rejected by big sister. I was however privileged to spend Wednesday evening in the company of The Men’s Room at their Christmas play “Rebels without Applause” at the John Thaw Studio in Manchester. There was an excellent attendance despite Manchester providing us with a classic Manchurian soaking. The production was a great example of how theatre can empower professionals and service users creatively.
Sadly one of the rebels was unable to attend to perform his own rap so as a Christmas wish I am going to copy it here as our Christmas story.

 

A Christmas Rap

by Samuel Fitzpatrick

 

What’s the true meaning of Christmas?
What’s it all about?
The best thing about Christmas is putting food in your mouth
Or chewing crisp-like biscuits
Or cranberry sauce on sprouts

 

I miss those days waking up before everyone in my place
Sneaking down stairs, big smile on my face,
To feel my presents.
But now it’s all changed
Now we’re adults
These days Christmas is all about our
Kids and a fan roast
Roast chicken, roast pork,
A standing toast, and last but not least
Smoked salmon embedded with lemon and red salt.
That’s the true meaning of Christmas in my home.

 

Three things I love about Christmas, number one:
The peaceful sound of kids playing in the snow
Snowballs bouncing, snowballs rolled
Into giant snowballs to create snowmen by homes
With hands waving as the presents are wrapped
To seal visual of the surprise

 

Number two: family’s precious, some blessed, some less
A perfect Christmas is with who we love most, whether it’s your
Father, mother, brother, sister, boyfriend, girlfriend
Friend or a stranger
Company is more than it speaks for
One day a year, everyone needs one.

 

Number three: last but not least, can’t forget about the feast
The sound of cutlery hitting off each other
Like the sound of two swords fighting for the last scrap of butter

 

Like I said, I miss those days.
Happy Christmas memories with mates.
The one true day of the year where we can all be in grace.

 

Thanks for letting us publish this Samuel and maybe next year we can get it performed!
 
Happy Christmas I look forward to working with you all next year.

 

Ray McMorrow