Like many of us, Christmas for me is a time for family. It is also a chance to remember happy times with those who are no longer here.
Christmas gives a valuable opportunity to take a break from the business of everyday life and reflect on the end of the year.
Of course, many people don’t get a break at Christmas. Emergency service workers, carers, military personnel, and prison staff, among others, will continue to work to serve all of us, for which we are grateful. Spare a thought too for transport, engineering and IT workers who often work unsocial hours to provide essential services we all rely on.
For others December is an especially busy time and Christmas offers only scant respite – for clergy for example, taxi drivers and those working in hospitality and catering. Retail workers too will work right up to the closing hours of Christmas Eve, providing us with last minute gifts and the latest must haves – only to begin again with the Boxing Day sales.
It’s important to remember Christmas isn’t a happy time for everyone, for many different reasons. If we can look out for our friends and neighbours, small gestures might have a big impact. Perhaps by asking how they are and stopping for a friendly chat, we can make a difference.
I wish everyone, however you celebrate, a happy and peaceful Christmas.
