Not everyone is happy at this time of year

CHRISTMAS is almost here and while some of you love this time of year and get very excited about it, there are others of you who dread it. And I am thinking about you now.

At work I hear both sides of Christmas. I hear about the excitement and the joy that some people feel and I also hear the sad side. I hear about the loss of a loved one and how this time of the year is a sad time because they are not here. Some people are sad because of the loss of their beloved pet. I learn about people who are ill. And about the people who can’t get home for Christmas, and the people who have to leave their children or loved ones to go to work. I hear about people who just don’t have the money–it breaks their hearts not to be able to give their children what they would love for Christmas. It’s a lonely time for so many people whose families are not near them.

I know that there are some of you that just can’t stand Christmas and want to bury your head in the sand until it’s all over. You simply cannot stand the fuss.

Some people dread the family reunion, the social get together, or the Christmas work party and other people thrive on them. Not everyone enjoys these occasions.

Christmas can cause a lot of anxiety and stress for families. Parents can be tired.

Worn out even, by the time the big day comes around.

Those of you that are suffering the loss of a loved one, my heart goes out to you. I hope that someone can help put a smile on your face if even only for a moment this Christmas.

Christmas is clearly not a time that suits everyone. So spare a thought this Christmas for a neighbour, a friend, a family member, a stranger on the street. We don’t know what is going on in their private world.

For those of you that love Christmas, I do hope you enjoy every minute of it. You’ll create some beautiful memories to keep.

Thank you all for your feedback, and support throughout the year, I wish you a very Happy Christmas.