Giving at Christmas

Piles of shoe boxes filled with gifts at The Minster ready to be delivered across the world

With enticing TV advertisements and shops displaying their wares increasingly early, in a concerted effort to part us from our hard earned cash, along with what is billed as ‘super Saturday’ at the end of November, in an attempt to kick start the buying frenzy, it is natural that most of us will be lured into responding to the commercial aspects of the festive season. This is of course in tandem with  ecumenical activity. 

As a regular church goer, I am all too aware of the quickening pace in the weeks leading up to Christmas. What with ‘stir up’ Sunday, Christingle, nativity plays and carol services galore, there is plenty afoot to remind us why we get to enjoy a few days off work, the chance to pull a cracker or two and all the while steal a kiss under the mistletoe.

Not least is the huge meal many of us will get to enjoy on Christmas Day, along with a seemingly endless supply of turkey for the week after. 

I am mindful however of those who, in our multi-cultural society, from other cultures, who will not necessarily be celebrating with us. My personal view is that we should all embrace fully any excuse to celebrate, whatever time of year.

There are also those who for many reasons may not have a happy Christmas; this could be due to the death of a loved one, health problems, money problems, unhappy relationships, all sorts of reasons.

This last weekend, attending the shoe box appeal service at The Minster, the generosity of our local population, in donating hundreds of boxes that will be sent far and wide to those in need. For us to put together a few bits and bobs, hats, scarves, toys, pens, pencils, colouring books, may not such a big deal, but to those who are fortunate enough to be on the receiving end these gifts can really help to brighten up a person’s day, even if only briefly.

I always find it hard not to shed a tear at such services (this week I failed miserably, as the pile of shoe boxes grew taller and taller) but remind myself that although we are not all dealt the same cards in life, every of us has the ability to shed a little light, even if just for a moment, on someone else’s life; with a smile, a kind word or deed. 

This is the thought that I shall hold onto, as along with the rest of us, I am busy writing greetings cards, rushing around exchanging gifts and cooking up a storm.

Locally our small groups and organisations can really make a difference to the lives of others at this time of year, but only with our support. 

Food banks are not a myth in this country, unfortunately they are a reality, even for those who Theresa May calls JAMs (Just About Managing). I have been there, and it is only through the generosity of others I have become an MOT (Managing Ok Thanks).