Still time to shine

At last, we have arrived. Christmas is about a week away and there’s an immutable truth to accept: if you’re not ready yet it’s likely you never will be.

It’s astounding how quickly the time goes and how easily the day itself creeps up. Cat’s paws have nothing on Christmas. People bemoan the fact of its speedy arrival, but let’s be honest. It’s not as if it’s a surprise.

It’s as regular as the seasons and has greater profile as a singular event, so we wonder why anyone would feel pressed for time when the simple truth remains there has been ample opportunity to prepare.

However, to be fair, life is generally hectic, so we’re prepared to be magnanimous. After all, there is still a wealth of shopping opportunity remaining prior to the Big Day. How festive indeed to scurry about madly securing this and that and obviating filial censure for daring to have left things to the last minute.

But is that what it’s all about?

What we’ve described is a purely commercial pursuit that more often than not adds to rather than reduces seasonal stress. We’ve seen harried men and women on Christmas Eve populating malls like Marley’s ghost, rattling chains nervously and wondering if the stomach upset they experience is, as Scrooge himself considered, merely an undigested piece of beef.

We can say categorically it is anything but. There is stress, and the imperative to consume in merry measure is an ingrained social phenomenon that swells proportionately as the date draws near.

However, it need not be so. As Ebenezer himself discovered, there’s always time to take a different tack and find a renewed purpose. We recommend a reconsideration of the season as part of this year’s holiday endeavours.

Certainly it’s a joy to celebrate with family and friends, but live large, go one step further. Why not seek additional happiness by spreading joy to others?

Windsor’s food bank, Matthew 25, welcomes donations of non-perishable food items. Additionally, the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign is a perennial beacon for those forced to live outside the light.

If you know anyone who could use a meal, warm clothes (through, for example, the Coats for Kids Campaign), a nearly new toy or game or any other such aid or item, local agencies want to take the call and make dreams come true.

You may believe, as we suggested facetiously at the outset, that there’s no time to make a difference. On the contrary, there’s plenty if your heart’s in the right place.

By all means, share good things with those you love, but don’t forget those who may not be as lucky or as blessed. There but for the grace of God go I, we say, and even the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone else.

Take advantage of what time there is between now and Christmas Day and spread the goodness in your life. Such generosity will be reciprocated, and we’re sure there’s no limit on how great it feels to do something nice at Christmas and the whole year-round.

From staff at The Hants Journal, have a safe, joyful and Merry Christmas.