Christmas: But wait! There’s more!

Even though it’s not as easy these days in a lot of ways, to have a fantastic Christmas, there are ways you can make it better.

For many of us, Christmas can be difficult for a lot of reasons - loved ones unable to be near, or loved ones no longer with us. Christmas can be a challenge in many ways. Sometimes it might mean spending time with people we rarely see, or hardly know, or maybe know too well….

If you are a religious person, it might be about the birth of Christ, and celebrations will include church and the Christian community. For those who are not religious, it is still a time for family - either birth or chosen - and being able to give - time, or something bought or made. Sometimes it is the gift of you that can mean all the difference. Being able to spend time with those special people is precious, and should not be taken for granted.

Whatever your circumstances, we hope your Christmas is a happy one. That you do get to spend time with those you care for, that you are able to make a difference in someone’s life - sometimes by just being there - or maybe helping someone who otherwise might not have anyone with which to share that special time. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference, and organisations like out own local Birdwood Pantry (which despite the name includes our district), which assist those in need all through the year. You can donate non-perishable goods at the Post Office, or the birdwood united Church. Foodbank and OzHarvest are two other organisations that would be grateful for assistance in any way at this time of year.

Paula, Kath and I are in the Mt Pleasant branch of the SACWA, and this year our Secret Santa will be in the form of donations to the Pantry. Members have been assisting the Pantry in many ways over the years, and we have also encouraged other branches within SACWA to help local organisations, and groups within the district to think of helping their community in this way.

In the meantime, if you are looking for gifts that won’t break the bank, or of having a more sustainable Christmas, think of shopping at Recreate, or maybe even Op Shops. Ops Shops are not like they used to be, and you never know what you’ll find.