25th December 2018

“ Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

Christmas has always had such a magical feel for me, not sure whether it was the time of year or the global retail hype. Christmas has been celebrated by many in some shape or form. Even as a child, in school the run up to Christmas began with the play and ended with the party. Hearing the stories of preparations in Christian households, the nativity scene displayed outside the church and chapel, stores decorated with trees and baubles along with the romanticism of Xmas portrayed by the movies added to all the magic.

Somewhere along the way the true meaning of Christmas is lost. Whether you follow the religion or not, it represents the birth of a saviour for almost 2.2 billion Christians in the world. A saviour who came into the world to parents who had to find refuge in a barn among the animals. As his followers believe, he was born to save mankind.

When you ask kids about Christmas today, their eyes light up with the prospect of gifts. Even though, religion does not play a huge part in the lives of most, this is a perfect time to teach our young ones the joys of giving rather than receiving. The one time in the year when you can give a token of your thanks and appreciation to your friends and loved ones and let them know how much you mean to them. Unfortunately the pressure of gift giving is so much, that budget promises are broken and credit cards maxed!

In many households today, families are getting together to celebrate this day with a grand meal of Turkey with all the trimmings consumed along with (in some cases) copious amount of alcohol. This day is for reunions, laughs and tears, discussions and debates sometimes good natured and sometimes not.

This is the day I always think of those who have offered to work like the doctors, nurses, police, fire services and those volunteers who have dedicated their lives to help others enjoy this day.

Merry Christmas to all!