Another year is drawing to a close and I’m sure for many of us the preparations for the Christmas holiday season are in full flow, with presents to wrap, cards to write, trees to decorate and loved ones to see.
This year there will be many people for whom Christmas may look a little different. For some people this may be the first Christmas without a loved one, and we think particularly of the Royal Family at this time. It will certainly feel different for us all sitting down after dinner to watch a speech from the King rather than the Queen!
I know that the challenges of the cost of living will also make celebrating Christmas a little different for some too. Whilst many support schemes are available I recognise that some people do face hardship, and I would like to thank those who will give up time on Christmas Day to provide a meal for those would be alone or go without.
And finally, it is also important in this season to remember those in Ukraine who will be facing Christmas against the backdrop of war, perhaps with less to eat or mourning the loss of a loved one in conflict. They have endured a torrid year, and we must continue to support them to ensure this conflict is brought to a successful resolution.
There has been much to celebrate this year, the Platinum Jubilee celebrations which became a fantastic send off for Her Majesty, and the Commonwealth Games which inspired pride in our region. But there have also been reminders too that we can never take what we have for granted, and the most important thing we can do this Christmas is appreciate the times shared with those closest to us.
However you are spending this festive season, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 1st December 2022.
