AUTHOR'S CORNER;

THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas, the time of joy, the season of reflection and giving. Where we gladly put ourselves out and trudge around the shops endlessly searching for the right gifts for our nearest and dearest.  Where we joyfully wrap presents and lovingly place them beneath the tree that we have so carefully decorated; anticipating with great delight, the smiles on our family and friends' faces.  The turkey, that sought after turkey that we order weeks in advance and search the net for the best recipe, or the latest way to make perfect roast potatoes.  Such an infectious celebration, that even those of us who are not of the Christian faith participate, with fairy lights, bobbles and Halal or Kosher turkeys and ethnic twists on age old recipes! Well it is Christmas after all, and the whole world seems to be in celebration, cheer and laughter, that woody winter scent, nights spent in front of the fireplace, chocolate boxes and shortbread biscuits, why not?  This is the only time of the year, where it seems to me to be a time when I can self indulge without feeling guilty.  

Personally, I love Christmas, I love the smells, the feel, the sounds, the way the days close into darkness and the way the nights seem to last forever.  I adore Christmas, because Christmas is when the television channels way up and actually give us value for our money!  Shops are brighter and are adorned with rows upon rows of beautiful clothes; cashmere, wools, silks, sequinned dresses and sparkly heels!  Chestnuts roasting on the streets, and children singing in huddled groups.  I love Christmas!  I love Christmas dinner...yum!   But whilst we are all cheerful (rightly so) and engrossed in Christmas, please may I request that we all take a moment to give a thought...

This Christmas, give a thought to those around us, and please, let us remember them from time to time.

This Christmas give a thought for all the elderly; they once cared and looked after you in their youth and sacrificed for your well being.  They also once had made your Christmases special and many a times have they made you believe in the magic of Santa.  

This Christmas spare a thought for the beggar on the streets; just because you feel full does not mean that he does!  Just because you are able to work, does not mean that he can!  Just because you have surplus food that is thrown away each evening, does not mean that he has!

This Christmas, don't look down upon the man who sleeps rough; if he had a home to go to, he would have gone there!

This Christmas, spare a thought for our soldier who is stuck out in a foreign land defending our country so that the likes of you and me can enjoy our Christmas in peace! Spare a thought for him as he looks on upon the chaos and destruction, with only the memory of his loved ones to keep him going.  Our tinker soldier, defending us.

This Christmas, think for a moment of the broken hearted mother; whose son is not beside her, but in a far off land, weeping for him as she stuffs the turkey and puts on a brave face for the rest of her family.  

This Christmas think of the runaway, who is not a rebel, but a poor, defenceless kid, who has no choice,who still needs love.  Think of that kid and don't walk past.

This Christmas, think of them who are deprived, they may be thousands of miles away, but don't let that be an excuse for their suffering!

This Christmas, amidst your shopping, your festive preparations, your turkey basting and your cheerful lights. This Christmas, in spite of your busy schedules, and your shopping bags and that long night spent decorating that Christmas tree, please, please, stop for a moment, pause in your tracks, and spare a thought, a single thought, feel a single wave of compassion and shed a tiny tear...for our brothers and sisters of the human race!  For surely this is what Christmas is all about; thought for the human race; the human face!