What does Christmas mean to you, I wonder? It means so many different things to so many different people.
To children it might mean Father Christmas, presents, nativity plays, carol concerts and finally school holidays.
To the people who teach those children, I would imagine school holidays are also an important part of Christmas after they have worked their way through the nativity plays and carol concerts.
To adults it can bring stress and pressure. Will little Matilda like her preset? Is the turkey big enough? Will the in-laws be hard to please again this year?
To those in retail and the service industries it means huge pressure and exhaustion at work, while keeping a welcoming smile on your face.
To people who live alone it may mean loneliness.
Even worse for those who don’t have a home. They would be delighted to have the opportunity to worry about the size of the turkey.
And of course, through it all, to the amazing emergency services, it means staying on duty and keeping us safe and well throughout the holiday season.
Wherever you are, whatever your situation, whatever your faith, or none, I very much hope that this special time of year brings you rest, reconciliation and renewal.
Love and peace
Antonia xx