SEASONAL SUGGESTIONS
Christmas is a time for giving without expecting anything in return.
South Africa has many citizens living in rural areas, where every day is a challenge. Schooling is usually conducted in run-down conditions, yet these little ones have hope that tomorrow will be brighter.
To those of you deciding to give randomly this year, here’s a suggestion: giftwrap a few rugby balls, load up your vehicle, and take a two-hour drive to a remote area.
Seek out youngsters with smiles on their faces and Siya Kolisi’s name on their lips and start handing out the balls.
Siya proved to himself and the entire country that hard work, commitment and an oval ball can bring about miracles that no politician can.
PETER BACHTIS, BENONI.
I feel strongly that the festive season may not be so “festive” for many. I am a proud granny of three beautiful children who are getting excited about Christmas.
Unfortunately I won’t be with them, as they live in America.
There must be thousands of South African families who will be apart for Christmas. So, I’ve come up with a few suggestions on how to deal with the ache of not being together.
Don’t focus on the negative of not being together. Focus on the positive, and enjoy the video calls.
When you have the video call, don’t make it about how sad you are that you are not with them. Make it about how happy you are to be able to talk to them.
You will most likely be spending Christmas day with other loved ones in South Africa. Don’t mope and harp on the fact that you are not with those who live elsewhere. Appreciate those you are with.
To those who won’t be with family or friends, make it a special day to think about all the wonderful Christmas days that you have had over the years and cherish those memories.
So I’m saying it is up to you to make your “festive” season a happy one, albeit an eina one! JILL ERASMUS, EMAIL
December is a festive season. South Africa is the most unequal country in the world. It would good if we could have a caring spirit in the festive season, by sharing the little we have with the havenots and our neighbours. This would bring a lot of joy to millions of families. NGUNDA, EMAIL