At the moment, Christmas is the topic of many discussions. This made me reflect on what Christmas actually means to me. Like many people, I will not be spending Christmas with my parents this year, which, although sad, is a necessary precaution to keep them safe. We have adopted a pragmatic approach to the situation, but I am sure when Christmas Day arrives, there will be a few sad moments. They know the car is ready, and the first opportunity I can do so safely, I will head home. I know for my parents, gifts are not important, and the most precious gift they can have is to spend time with their family.

This turned my thoughts to gifts from ‘Christmas Past.’ Like most people, I can remember clearly getting my first bike, which was treasured for many years. But the Christmas that really resonated with me was when the community was hard hit by the British Steel strike. It was a huge local employer, and the strike meant hardship for many families. Whilst I remember how difficult it was, I also get a warm glow from reflecting on how the community came together to help those most in need. Those that had something were more than happy to share.

We agreed that as a family we would do our bit. Despite the fact that it was now too small, the treasured bike had been kept. I spent hours cleaning it and making it ready as a gift for another child. But the hardest thing was choosing some books to donate. It was only afterwards that I realized that I had donated some of my favourite books. I can still feel that lump in my throat as the realisation hit. But we had been taught that when you give, you give with a ‘true heart.’
As an adult, I gradually replaced all those books. Then, a school in South Africa, which was connected to the school for whom I was working, asked for resources and books to be donated. Once again, I automatically found myself choosing my favourite childhood books and donating those.

Until now, I had never really considered why I kept giving away and then replacing my favourite books. I can only think It was because I wanted to give something I really treasured.
Apart from my bike and books, the thing I treasure most is my family. Don’t panic! I’m not going to give them away. I have decided to write a letter to my parents to be opened on Christmas Day, in which I have written about wonderful, shared memories and expressed my gratitude and love for all they have done for me. I have no doubt that on Christmas Day that letter will be re-read a number of times, and it will bring laughter as they recall many happy events from the past.