Christmas is not for everyone

CHRISTMAS is not for everyone, I say this every year. And here we are again.

There are many reasons why some of you don’t like Christmas. It’s not that you’re scrooges or spoil sports, you have your reasons. Not everyone can accept your reason and that’s OK. Why should you even have to give a reason?

Bereavement and the loss of a loved is one reason why some of you might dread Christmas. I am touched by loss this Christmas. I am deeply aware of my sister in law, my niece, father in law, and my husband, as they celebrate their first Christmas without their husband, father, son, and brother. They will no doubt put on a brave face as they greet the world. But, I can only imagine what it feels like for them.

This Christmas will be one of many without a loved one for some of you. I just hope that the people you meet will be sensitive to you and not judge you if you don’t express delight about Christmas.

Some of you dread having the whole family together in one room around the dinner table. Especially if your family are argumentative, and worse still if the arguments are fueled by alcohol. You would rather be anywhere than at that dinner table nervous that things could get out of hand.

Lack of funds is a major cause of stress for lots of people and it’s so unfortunate that Christmas is so much about the commercial side; that there is so much pressure on people especially parents of young children who cannot give their children what they want.

For some of you it could be that your family is separated by miles, a relationship break down, or you have to go to work.

Christmas can be a time of lazing around, eating, and drinking and this might not be your thing and that’s OK.

I hope this Christmas you’ll be surrounded by people who’ll understand or at least accept how you feel.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.