If you're reading this, you know exactly what time of the year it is. Yes, indeed, it is nearing Christmas. Prepare, my friends to be inundated by materialism. Christmas shopping and ads on TV promoting consumerist ideals. Sales, sales and more sales. Whatever happened to the true spirit of Christmas? It is too easy to get caught up in the huddling masses, scrambling to get your hands on the newest toy or phone, just in time for Christmas day. All for a few seconds of delight when your loved ones turn giftwrap to shreds that fateful morning. When did we become like this? So lost on the meaning of life. Prosperity brings its own miseries, quite different to lack and need. This Christmas I ask that you reflect and reduce needless desire. It IS better to give than to receive. And who better to give to, than those who have nobody. In our 80:20 world today, those with the greatest need go ignored, invisible compared to us who enjoy our Christmas dinners in sheer blissful ignorance. Money, gifts, jewellery. These are quantifiable. Love, compassion and joy, however, cannot be wrapped up in a Chanel gift box. Waste not, want not. Think of those vulnerable in your community today and strive to make a difference. Maybe you would like to volunteer at your local soup kitchen or charity shop. Donate your unwanted presents. Someone, somewhere will be delighted to receive your cringe worthy Christmas socks! 1% of your time can make a world of difference. Over this Christmas break, talk to your neighbours, pay a visit to the local nursing home. The hours add up, and you never know whose day you could make! Remember, not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted! Let us return to the true Christmas spirit of kindness, hope and love. It costs nothing to give, yet it rewards both the giver and the receiver. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! (adapted from a piece I wrote in class, published by recommendation of my teacher)
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