Christmas is here, and all that it brings

Social IssuesCulture Dec 23, 2019 Tim Baker

You are probably sat reading this with a glass of bubbles in hand and loved ones dotted around busily opening presents or firing up the BBQ, the cat may have torn down the Christmas tree and batted the baubles across the living room floor during the night. Your family dog will surely be lying in wait underneath the dining room table, waiting for someone to miss their mouth and send food hurtling toward the floor for it to be devoured.

For some of you there may be empty seats around the table this year. I for one know how this can feel. For me, its the eighth Christmas without my father. The holiday has never been the same since. Loved ones who would normally be part of your Christmas card list can leave us at a moments notice, their warmth and banter will leave an empty hole in the festivities as you remember their warmth and spirit.

This Christmas, let us remember all the people that made our lives what they are today. Whether they are here or not. Let us remember and spare a thought for those that have lost their loved ones this year, this year will be their first Christmas without that special person.

Remember, and if you can, share your table with someone in need. Someone without family. Christmas can be a very lonely time of year for some people and you can change that by opening your hearts and homes to each other. This is a time of giving, a time of hope and goodwill.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

From all of us at Kiwis For Good.

Wayne Hanson: A Journey of Resilience and Hope Social Issues Wayne Hanson: A Journey of Resilience and Hope I was born on 23 October 1971 in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England, to my parents, Eric and Ann Hanson. My childhood was filled with adventure and mischief, and as the eldest of three children, I naturally took on the role of protector and guide to my younger brother and sister. Read Community Action: How You Can Help PoliticsEnvironmentSocial IssuesCulture Community Action: How You Can Help One of the best things about volunteering your time and effort to help your community is that doing so offers you purpose and meaning and helps to further heal any wounds which remain from your own suffering. As well as human connection, it seems that there is a crisis of meaning and purpose in modern society. People feel like insignificant ants whose existences mean little if anything to the world. Whilst this isn’t true, because we all have intrinsic value and potential. Read Tim Baker - The Early Years. Social IssuesCulture Tim Baker - The Early Years. I was four years old. We were packing the car with stuff, more stuff than just the usual groceries or a trip to the dump. Mum was calm, dad seemed sombre... Read It's been a hard road, but its my road Social IssuesCulture It's been a hard road, but its my road I’m Ali. To look at me, I’d guess many would make the same assumptions as most when you meet me – a very average, happy, healthy, middle aged looking lady. Some have even judged me as being lucky. Far from it. Read Christine’s Story Social Issues Christine’s Story Hi, my name is Christine. I am a partner, daughter, cousin, granddaughter, sister, mother of two, and a proud bonus mum to another two. Read The day that changed my life, and how it could help you PoliticsEnvironmentSocial IssuesCulture The day that changed my life, and how it could help you January 31st, 2007, 8:30 am. Oxford North Canterbury. I was working as a rural fencer and that day I was putting in a stay post on an already existing deer fence at the compound where I worked. Read
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