Seasons Greetings

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, or if you don’t celebrate the birth of our Lord, may you still enjoy the festive season filled with the blessings of fine food, great fellowship and the spirit of giving and sharing.

It’s sad to me that Christmas seems to be losing some of its meaning. Shops the world over are recording record sales as we all scramble to spend, spend, spend during the days and weeks before the day. Not on things necessary for our, or our loved ones well being but more to satisfy need to have what everyone else has.

But there was a glimmer of hope in my house that attitudes might remain focused on selflessness if we can just remember to encourage such thoughts. Four year old granddaughter went around our assembled family handing out lollies from a small bag she got in a present. I didn’t see her have one herself, although I may have missed this in the bedlam associated with the sharing of gifts. But her actions brought a sense of immense pride – even though it was her parents’ teachings that had evoked such a generous response. I can take no credit.

The other day there was an article on television about three siblings – aged 10, 8 and 4, I think those were the ages mentioned – who hold their combined birthday party prior to Christmas, and then give every present they received to the Child Cancer Foundation for distribution at Christmas time. Perhaps there is more awareness of the true meaning of Christmas after all.

I will not have access to the Internet for the next couple of weeks while I travel to visit my mother. But being able to share time with her and help celebrate her 99th birthday will definitely compensate for time “cut off” from the technology we seem unable to survive without. I love returning to my roots and remembering how uncomplicated life used to be.

I hope all who read this are able to enjoy the fellowship of friends and loved ones and can partake of some fine food during this festive season. May you stay safe, keep well and have the most awesome time during this holiday. Seasons greetings to you all.