It’s Christmas Eve, and around the world many Milan fans
should be spending time with those they love and sharing laughter and good
times together. But this year being a Milan fan was more like getting only
coal, so it may be difficult to be happy. As a gift to you this Christmas, I
would like to offer some suggestions for Milan fans to still be able to enjoy
their Christmas this year.
Around the holidays, there is a lot more alcohol around than
usual. And anyone who survived The Most Interesting Coach
in the World and the subsequent events at Milan knows that drinking has
become a survival technique. So Christmas is a blessing, as it will be the one
time during the year that no one notices how much you’re drinking. Drink up!
The Poor Kids
No matter how poor you are, there is usually someone worse
off than you. With Santa’s bag of transfer rumors already overflowing, it’s
best to count the gifts we’ve already gotten than to expect anything more this
next year. Well we’re bringing Boateng back and loaning out Suso, so if that
isn’t a big fat lump of coal, I don’t know what is. But poor kids don’t dream
of sugarplums. They count their blessings. So unless you’re planning on
maintaining your holiday alcohol intake throughout the January mercato, try
counting the expensive gifts we’ve already been given. Because Silvio’s mad,
and he’s probably not spending a single euro when he’s angry. (And no, free transfers
aren’t actually free, so don’t even go there.) Sometimes happiness is achieved
with a dose of reality.
Looking Back
Often as fans, it is tempting to look back at the good
times, especially when the bad times just keep going. Counting Champions League
trophies, looking at YouTube videos of ex-stars and big wins… it’s enough to
make a sober person pick up a glass and start drinking. But the above video is
a great way to look back and still be happy. Only two of those players stayed
at the club, one left on loan and then came back. Oh, and one left and is
coming back… but if this kind of reminiscing makes you sad, just remember creepy
Amelia and De Sciglio dancing with antlers on his head. I hear it’s even
funnier when you’ve had a drink or two.
I think there is a trend here… alcohol
and Milan are still intertwined. So the key to being happy this holiday
season is still drinking. After all of the drinking
games we’ve played during matches, it’s not enough to simply avoid
reality during the games. If we are to find the strength to smile at all of
Uncle Fred’s bad jokes and compliment Nonna’s heartfelt cooking, we may need a
little something extra this year. Despite some little blips on the vital signs
of AC Milan, the team is still in critical condition. But it doesn’t have to
ruin your holidays. Just like in any other dysfunctional family, we can
self-medicate.
Have a very Merry Christmas, wherever and however you are
celebrating. Thanks for reading, commenting, participating in and listening to
the podcast, and all that you do to help all of us survive the Milan experience
together. And here’s to a better new year!
Buon Natale e Forza Milan!