MY WEEK BY FRANCIS GAY

Again it’s time for lighted trees, Cards, holly and mistletoe, Happy children carolling, Endless shopping on the go. Amid the hustle and bustle, Christmas fare and gifts to buy, Call a friend, relax with a cuppa, And maybe a mince pie.

Jim doesn’t usually care about decorations, preferring to leave all that to his wife, Claire.

So, she was surprised when he bought a projector and set it up in the back garden. The resultant reindeer, snowmen, and Santas dancing across the back wall of her house left her more than a little bemused.

Until, he called her up to their spare room. Keeping the light out, he led her over to the edge of the curtains. Then he pointed to a window of the house that backed on to theirs.

“Her parents don’t have money for decorations,” he whispered (even though no one could hear them), “and they wouldn’t let me help with that, so…She’s been there for 20 minutes.”

In the bedroom opposite, a little girl sat entranced by the magic – and the spirit – of Christmas.

I saw a video recently of a man who wakes up to find his world gift-wrapped.

The first thing he unwraps is his wife – and he thinks she is amazing! Then he unwraps the tap – and finds fresh running water. He unwraps the switch on the wall – and discovers he has electricity, light and heating.

He puts on wrapped shoes – and can walk. He opens a decorated box – and discovers… breakfast!

Presents beyond counting will be opened this Christmas. Some will be useful, others will be in the bin by Boxing Day. Some will have thought behind them. Some will make children squeal with delight.

Let’s enjoy them, but never forget that, for most of us, our lives are full of “gifts”. Just because they don’t come giftwrapped (in real life) doesn’t mean we shouldn’t appreciate them – and be thankful!

Normally, Trishna takes care of table decorations for family meals or big events like Christmas.

But, this year her husband Deep lent a hand with an early gift.

It’s a little handmade box with a chest-style lid, and a quaint brass hook fastening.

The family’s names are engraved on the top along with three instructions.

The first is “Place phones inside”. The second is “Close the lid”.

And the third? “Be fully present in the moment.”

Amazingly, the children love it.

And Trishna has no doubt it will make their special means together all the more special! Because she has been in that position, Jennie decided to open her café on Christmas Day for people who might otherwise be spending it alone.

She planned to pay for the food and serve it. But, ever since she announced her plan people have been leaving donations, or paying for a coffee with a £20 note and telling her to put the change towards the dinner.

Then catering professionals – and a musician – started volunteering their expertise. It’s beginning to look like she could sit with her feet up. Of course, she won’t!

“What amazes me,” Jennie said, “is that there are so many people out there willing to lend a hand. All they need is someone to give them an excuse.”

Christmas is surely the perfect time for that sort of thing, but we can be the excuse that inspires others to be kind any day of the year.