Well readers (for you are legion), I can almost hear the reindeers hooves on the roof and smell Santa’s sooty feet as he prepares to risk hoiking his vast waistline down our chimney. It’s Christmas Eve; up and down the country, people are doing their last frantic chores and wrapping the final presents (vowing to only buy square gifts next year). Scores of ill-prepared men are scouring the forecourts of the local petrol station (and if you’re reading this, Dear Husband, I don’t need another in-car air freshener, no matter how “tropical” the scent) whilst those at work watch the clock, not exactly working per se, but there in body.
As the Mum of two small boys (A.K.A. “The Things”), Christmas has become magical, the stuff of wonder and excitement. Tonight we’ll make Santa footprints (take a boot or wellington and place it on the floor. Dust around it with flour or talcum powder – adding glitter if you have any, for extra magic), and squish raisins together to make reindeer poo and nibble some carrots before downing the brandy and retiring to bed for a few short hours… Aaaah, Christmas.
Last night, as I wrapped presents whilst watching It’s A Wonderful Life, I thought about my last post before Christmas and looked through my emails and a few really stood out. The ones where there are things going on that really embody thinking of others at Christmas and it made me realise firstly how lucky many of us are and secondly that not everybody will have a warm, magical Christmas. So, here’s to those who’ll be alone at Christmas, to those that help out at shelters, soup kitchens and community venues up and down the country.
The Felixstowe Salvation Army is opening its kitchens over Christmas to lay on festive food and entertainment to those living alone or without homes. This is being done by volunteers and Terry and the team at our Felixstowe branch have donated and installed a chest freezer at The Cobbold Road Felixstowe hall to allow them to bulk buy food and safely store. Over in Stowmarket, Barry and his team have worked with their local Asda Community Life for a Christmas lunch in the town centre on Christmas Day for the vulnerable, lonely, or anybody in need. We are supporting it by donating electrical items. These are just two of the local stories that have made me think about others at this time of year.
We’re very lucky, as a business, to have such great roots in all our communities and amazing support from customers, old and new. To each and everyone we thank you for your continued custom and wish you all a very merry Christmas.
