For me, Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, making time for the things that are important to us all.   

I take great delight in attending the children’s Mass on Christmas Eve with my grandchildren, then watching them with their eyes wide with anticipation opening their presents on Christmas morning and proudly showing off what Santa has managed to fit into their Christmas stockings.

But Christmas isn’t all about receiving, it’s about giving. If everyone out there thought a little more about others and tried to make just one person’s day a little better, the world would be a better place. It doesn’t take much, even just inviting someone who would normally be alone to join you for lunch can help in so many ways.

As with every other Christmas, there are people doing it tough and some living rough. If you can donate anything at this time of year please do – be it money, toys or food, or even your time, every little bit counts. The registered charitable organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, the Salvos and the Smith Family who do such a wonderful job need your support at Christmas time more than any other time of the year in their attempt to make sure there are no families who go without.

I’d also like everyone to spare a thought for those who have lost a loved one this year. It is especially difficult at Christmas when the absence of those who are no longer with us hits the hardest.

Congratulations must go to those involved in organising the various Christmas Carols again this year, particularly Peter Mylonas, who has pulled of a wonderful coup in attracting Timomatic. Tim is the talented and popular artist, well according to my 3 and 5 year old grandsons, who rose to prominence as a reality TV contestant but is now a successful recording artist in his own right! I can’t wait to see Tim put his spin on Silent night!

My final message is to ask everyone to please drive carefully this holiday season. Be patient, thoughtful and courteous on the roads and to remember the old saying ‘better late than never’.

Merry Christmas to everyone and I wish you all a prosperous, safe and enjoyable 2013.

From Ursula, Elizabeth, Cath, Fran and Justin.