Family and charity this Christmas time

One final trip to the supermarket for the bits and bobs you forgot, then lock the door behind you and settle in for Christmas. Most of us will be looking forward to putting our feet up and spending time at home with loved ones this festive season.

But others will not be so lucky.

Many have jobs that do not stop for Christmas – and are even more vital at this time of year.

Firefighters, police, doctors and nurses are just some of the everyday heroes we rely upon to come to the rescue when things do not go as we would hope.

There are also those who will not be able to enjoy this Christmas for a more distressing reason – because they simply cannot afford it.

More and more people – even those who work – will this year face a choice between heating and eating, or simply doing without.

Christmas is a hugely significant time for Christians, as the Queen’s annual message will attest.

But regardless of whether you are a person of faith, the festive season should be a time for looking out for others.

Kirkcaldy is an example of where the true spirit of Christmas is being shown in abundance.

The Fife town has a shockingly high level of child poverty – but is also home to a great deal of generosity and charity.

More than £32,000 of fresh food is being delivered to those in need by local charity the Cottage Family Centre.

Hundreds of sack loads of toys have also been delivered to ensure as many children as possible have something to open on Christmas morning.

Of course, not everyone will be able to get involved in these types of fantastic efforts.

Yet even knocking on an elderly neighbour’s door and asking if they need anything could make all the difference.

We should follow First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s Christmas message and “spread some Christmas cheer” by volunteering or “by being a good neighbour or friend”.

So enjoy the turkey and we will see you back here as normal on Boxing Day with a special edition of The Courier.

We would like to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas.