Christmas is in full swing, the lights are up and twinkling brightly
THE lights are up and twinkling brightly, family members are making their last travel plans to come home and all the boys and girls have been busy neatly writing their lists to Santa, who is set to enter Wexford over the Europort on Christmas Eve. That’s right, Christmas is officially in full swing in Kilrane and Rosslare Harbour. As always, the local community has made a big effort in decking the village out for the festive season as the big day approaches and the last preparations are put in place. Perhaps something that can get lost in the frenzy is that very sense of community. When you step away from all the madness, the important thing about Christmas is passing on your Christmas greetings to friends and neighbours in the local shop, exchanging cards and gifts with those you love and sitting down to enjoy a nice Christmas meal or drink at your local. This is what Christmas is all about.
While it’s a message that is frequently promoted at this time of year, you can’t overestimate the importance of supporting your local businesses at this time of year. In a tightly knit community like Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane, when you opt to pick up your Christmas supplies from your local shop or stop in for a drink
or some food, you’re not adding to the wealth of a faceless multi-national company. You’re contributing to the local economy and helping local families. These are the people whose children attend the local school, who volunteer with the local GAA club and who do their bit to ensure that the village looks like a winter wonderland at this time of year.
While nobody can doubt the convenience of online shopping, when you realise that you’ve forgotten to stock up on batteries on Christmas eve, or that the milk in the fridge is a little past its best, it’s the familiar face at your local shop that will come to the rescue!
However like pets, local businesses are not just for Christmas, it’s important to support them all year round. They will be grateful for you custom and only too happy to see you walk through their doors. As your local businesses wish you a Happy Christmas, return the favour by doing at least some of your shopping and socialising locally this Christmas.
So embrace the Christmas spirit in Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane this year. Take in the Christmas lights, meet family and friends and shop local!