After a busy week away, I am ready for a bit of rest. I am enjoying the sense of Christmas being near and love the feeling of joy and excitement that, that brings. In the town centre the lights are up, the music is playing and people are enjoying the atmosphere.
I know that some people do not want Christmas festivities to start in November but I like the impact it has and how it lifts spirits. As we are now in December, I will embrace the inevitable and join in with the ‘pomp and circumstance’ to Christmas day.
I am sure that, for some, this is not a good time of year. I seem to notice more homeless people struggling to get by, which saddens me. I don’t like the idea of enjoying my overpriced pint and ‘bratty’ whilst someone is huddled in a blanket freezing on the pavement. The contrast of ‘those that have and those that have not’ should not exist. The basics should be there for everyone and, in an ideal world, no-one should ever have to go hungry or be homeless.
Most people have conflicting feelings when it comes to giving money to people on the streets. “Do I give them cash if they are going to spend it on drink or drugs?” “Should I give them food instead?” It is a tough decision, so why not ask? They will know the answer, they will know if the temptation of money for drugs / drink is too great and will opt for food or money for a jumper, if you give them the chance.
I believe we all have the choice to do what we want, but, I recognise, it is not that simple for everyone. Circumstance, life experiences and external factors can, and do, play a part. After watching a TV programme about a homeless guy who got himself back on his feet, it made me understand a bit more, but made me realise, I never want to experience it.
As the Christmas celebrations have already started, so should the spirit of giving. Can you make a difference this December? It doesn’t have to be money or food, it might just be spare clothes or a chat that changes a life or saves a life.
Here is a brief article from the independent: Click here to read