It’s Christmas Eve, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to share some things as the year comes to a close – this time with a festive twist!
1. 💿 Spotify Wrapped
Their questionable use of gen z language aside (not unlike the “how do you do, fellow kids” meme), it just wouldn’t be an end of year roundup without touching on Spotify Wrapped. Working from home for months on end meant that my results consisted mostly of the lofi beats I used as background music to preserve my sanity. This resulted in a total of 40,419 minutes listened, which is apparently more than 91% of listeners in the UK. Whilst the thought of how much data they harvest might give you a headache, it’s a fun campaign nonetheless.
2. 📚 Goodreads challenge
One positive from this pandemic is my rediscovery of my love for reading, taking solace in the escapism it provided after a difficult 18 months. Although this may seem odd for a literature grad, it turns out this bookworm didn’t enjoy being told what to read and when. The ability to read whatever I like without pressure meant I could actually enjoy it, and I subsequently doubled my Goodreads challenge target! Highlights included:
3. 📝 Sweden’s Arson Goat
And now to finish off with quite possibly my favourite new Christmas tradition. More commonly known as the “Gävlebocken”, the world’s most famous straw goat, has featured in the city of Gävle’s Christmas celebrations since 1966. On the first Sunday of Advent, the 13-metre-high goat arrives in the city centre, attracting tens of thousands of locals and onlookers throughout the festive season.
Every year, they build it, and every year, someone tries to burn it down, leaving authorities scrambling to stop the destruction, the BBC reported. People have tried to drive cars over it, smash it with clubs, and even torch it with fireworks. Two people dressed as Santa Claus and a gingerbread man shot the goat with flaming arrows in 2005, and in 2010, someone attempted to abduct the goat with a helicopter.
Only about 15 times in its 53-year lifetime has the goat made it through the holiday season uninjured. It was put under 24-hour protection in 2016 and has been able to withstand arson and other attacks – that is, until this year.
Yes, the goat has gone, but it’s only a matter of time before it returns — and only a matter of time before someone tries to burn it down again.
Merry Christmas! x