Poetry Poison: Humbug

This pocket-sized hardback anthology, compiled by our own Deborah Alma, celebrates Christmas from its less glittering side: family tensions and unwanted visitors, shopping and spending, over-eating, over-drinking and over-doing it; terrible presents, ancient grievances and annual traditions nobody quite remembers agreeing to.

There’s affection here too, because even the committed Christmas cynic is not entirely immune. Beneath the grumbling, something occasionally rises to the surface: a song on the radio, a familiar ritual, a moment of ridiculousness around a crowded table.

But don’t worry. This will pass.

Consider this little volume an antidote to excessive festive sweetness, best taken whenever goodwill to all men begins to feel medically inadvisable.