As lots of you know, Christmas 🎄 is such an important time to me. So much so that for the last ten years or so I’ve been called Mr Poppy anywhere I’ve been where people have seen ‘Nativity!’ Secretly, I’ve always really struggled with it as he’s a character who has a bit of a portly figure, and is actually quite childlike to the point of immaturity. Over the years I’ve found it a knock to my self esteem as someone that has publicly had his slip ups, in weight fluctuation, in my personal life experiences, in love and in the general wanting to appease other people’s expectations.
The journey of the last decade has seen the highest of highs and the depths of lows. However, as December rolls around, I have always emphasised the festive season. I’ve never really understood why other than to say that it was a constant fixture to pause whatever is ‘real life’ and either live in limbo or, sometimes, fantasy. Truth is, for much of my (post) Poppy life, I think I’ve lived in hope for (my perceived) better life. I’ve not wanted to struggle with my weight, or not handle adult relationships, or act immaturely.
This is very convoluted imagery, but I have reflected on this as someone that feels like they’ve come through the ‘other side’ mentally. I’ve always heard the Mr Poppy thing negatively…I think mostly because it’s often been from students saying “you look just like him”. I do. A bit. (I also get “you look like Joel Dommett” and you won’t be surprised to find out I’m pro this comparison 😂😂) However, his character is as much full of innocence, hope and wonder. Amazing things!
I spent so long worrying about how I’m perceived by others that I would miss the Mr Poppy innocence of life and being myself. This year I made a promise to my partner that I would change that and seek what is truly in my heart. There is always a way through, whatever you see and however you feel.
I’m going to share a Christmas song next week that I’ve written for anyone heading into this season with some fear for how the next few weeks may feel. It’s written as a grieving widow, but it’s happy sad and I’d love to share the widow’s hope for life without, with you.
Be kind to yourself, always x
It’s Joel, actually. 