Christmas is a time when people come together, to celebrate. A time of love, friendship, warmth and joy.
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A time where a child’s smile can bring you to tears, a loved one’s embrace can make you want to hold them a little longer, when the joy of giving far outweighs that of receiving and when the aroma of a family feast can arouse beautiful memories of Christmases past.
It’s a time when stories get told, people wear silly paper hats at the dining table, laughs are shared and tummies are full.
Many will spend Christmas eve making last-minute efforts to ensure tomorrow is a wonderful celebration for their families and friends. And we hope it is.
But we must remember to put first the spirit of Christmas.
As many rush to purchase last-minute gifts, others are trying to work out how to put food on the table.
The stress of being able to serve even a simple Christmas meal can be overwhelming for many in our community.
Add to that the expectation for plentiful gifts and other Christmas trimmings, and the day becomes a heavy and almost impossible burden.
And beyond the expectations for lavish feasts and generous gifts, Christmas can be particularly difficult for those who have no one to share the day with. Or those whom for whatever reason, feel alone.
Festive occasions can be lonely and isolating.
If you know of someone who may be alone, or finding this Christmas difficult, reach out to them.
It might be a phone call, or inviting them to share a meal. It might be the delivery of a food hamper, or something small that says that person matters.
That person might be your neighbour, or it could be a family you know.
It might be a young person, living away from their family. It might be an elderly person. Or it could be a friend, whose life you may not fully understand.
It doesn’t take much to show kindness. Indeed, Christmas should be about just that.
Often, in the busyness that is Christmas, we forget compassion and the need to understand each other a little better.
The greatest gift you can give is to show someone cares.
From the Bendigo Advertiser team, we wish you and yours a peaceful and happy Christmas.
Nicole Ferrie, editor