Maxi Shield – a time to reflect

Easter is a highly religious time for most people, with church and sermons to be sat through. Only fish on Friday and then there is the holy exchange of chocolate on Sunday.

But for those like me who aren’t religious, it’s time to let your hair down — of course, being respectful of those who are. I have friends who have given up things for Lent and who go to the early morning church services with their parents, but for most it isn’t the religious thing that draws them.

It’s time to spend with their family and takes them back to when they were children. Many sit in the pews for hours trying not to laugh at the men in front of them, clenching their butt cheeks together, trying not to fart when the father is talking. Or the mums who start to get fidgety because all they want to do is go have a coffee and a fag outside. But the family is together.

Maybe that’s how we have to see this long break — time to reflect on who we want to have around us.

We may not have to eat fish on Friday, but whatever we eat, with whom are we sharing it? Chocolate is going to be a huge part of most of our Sunday, but maybe it’s not how much we get but to whom we want to give something.

Then comes Anzac Day, which is usually a huge day for me. I have called two-up at the Harbourview Hotel for years. Each year I’m surprised how accepting and fabulous the day is. I get young guys, old guys, girls, mums and Diggers in and they seem to accept the drag caller with open arms.

One year, it was an anniversary, and the pub owners thought it would be wise not to have me. They received a sea of complaints. “Where was the fella in the dress? We love him.”

With some of my family serving in the military and many of my gay and lesbian mates also actively serving, this is an important time. We give a lot of respect to these people and very thankful for what they are doing for our country.

So whether there is Jesus or cheeses in your house over the long break, have a safe and chocolate-filled holiday. Choc-Fest 2011 officially starts on Good Friday.