Remember what’s important at Christmas time

AMID the hustle and bustle, the shopping rush and the seasonal parties, it is easy to occasionally lose sight of what is important at Christmas time.

A time for celebrating family and friends, this season will be bittersweet for some who will face their first Christmas without a loved one.

Older people, in particular, are vulnerable to sadness at this time of year. Please remember your neighbours who live alone at Christmas. Even a small gesture like a card or a chat over a cup of tea can make the world of difference to someone living alone. While it is a time for family, making room in your celebrations for someone less fortunate than you can be the best Christmas gift you can give.

Many people are facing an uncertain future, and the costs associated with Christmas will, for many, seem insurmountable. That it why organisations like St Vincent de Paul need your support more than ever at this time of year. Donations to the store Vincents in Mallow can mean that Christmas will come to a disadvantaged home in the area - that Santa will come to a little girl or boy this year.