For many people, Christmas is when we take the time to rekindle relationships and rejoice in the company of those we hold near and dear.
It always reinforces the basics of life, which we can so easily forget.
It’s a time to take joy from the excitement of children, and to take pleasure from the experience of giving and spreading joy.
We should also spare a thought for those who might be on their own.
A simple phone call can make all the difference if we’re unable to check in person.
Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s always worth remembering that it can be very challenging for some.
There will be many homes where an empty seat at the dinner table is a reminder of what we have lost these last 12 months and well beyond.
Let us welcome in the ghost of Christmas Past, for it brings the memories of times with friends and family who are no longer able to join us.
Let us welcome in the ghost of Christmas Present, and be thankful for what we have.
Let us await the ghost of Christmas Future. Tomorrow is another day and that is for the children in our lives to inherit.
May Santa be kind to them when he arrives tonight.
Last Christmas, the political gift Northern Ireland needed was the return of Stormont, opening up the possibility of delivering on the promises our politicians made to us.
And while Northern Ireland now finds itself in a better place in that respect, there is still much work to be done.
This week, we have been given a poignant reminder of the fragility that still exists in the world.
The funeral of children’s nurse Karen Cummings took place in Banbridge yesterday — yet another female murder victim in Northern Ireland. Mourners heard that her death was “unspeakably wicked and evil”.
There was also the funeral of mum-of-three Debbie Burns, remembered as “a beautiful lady” following her death in a house fire in Belfast last week. How quickly life can be snatched from us.
While some celebrate, others grieve. It’s a time to be present at Christmas, and so it was heartening to see the community spirit rise to the call for people to attend the funeral of Anne Hillman, a homeless woman who would otherwise have had a lonely burial at Roselawn Cemetery.
On this Christmas Eve, we wish all our readers and advertisers a very merry Christmas and, above all, a healthy 2025.