As it's Christmas, a very personal reflection from me.

The last few weeks have afforded me lots of opportunities to meet the less fortunate in our society and I hope that while many of us focus on the fun, we spare some time for those for whom Christmas will be difficult.

This year there will be many people for whom this is the first Christmas without a loved one.  I am thinking of the sons of my dear friend Sylvia, who died earlier this year after a heroic battle against cancer.  Every year her card would arrive with a balloon inside which, when inflated, read "Merry Christmas from Sylvia"!  A simple gesture which reflected her wonderful sense of fun and lack of pomposity. 

Today I made my annual Christmas visit to my Mother's grave and later I will be visiting my grandparents' grave in Hove.  I still miss them, and my mother especially, and Christmas is always a time when the loss is felt all the more.  

There will be many more who suffer pain of a physical nature; those who are cold and unable to afford adequate heating or even clothing; others who do not even have somewhere to call home.  I hope that everyone will take the opportunity this week to stop for a moment, and forget whatever is troubling them, and spare a thought for others who are less fortunate.  And, if you can spare some loose change - or even have some room left on a credit card - please consider the many wonderful charities locally and nationally which could do with your support.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.  If you are sharing the time with family and friends, treasure those moments, however challenging they may be (!) and try to make the most of the opportunity.  I hope the new year brings us all peace, happiness and good health.

Best wishes.

David

Christmas has certainly arrived - and it was a busy time this weekend as I had commitments across the constituency and beyond.  Highlights included the Christmas fete at Minnie Bennett House in Shooters Hill Road.  The residents and volunteers there were great fun and I was inspired by the dedication of the Manager who should be a role model for others.

I was also pleased to do my little bit for Demelza House - I bought two bricks towards the building of the new hospice in Eltham.  At a fiver a brick it's a modest contribution but was appreciated by the lovely lady who took my cash!

I am disgusted that only a fifth of schools are likely to perform a Nativity play.  In case anyone was in doubt - and clearly a lot of people are - this is a Christian country and Christmas is the most important festival in our calendar (yes, in spite of my name, I am a practising Christian).

Putting a tea towel on your head to pretend to be a shepherd or a crown to be a wise man or wings to be an angel are all a part of growing up.  It is reported that many schools have opted for a secular celebration to avoid offending those of non-Christian faiths.

In this country people bend over backwards to respect Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and every other type of religion, yet we almost apologise for being Christian.  Enough!  I fully respect everyone's right to celebrate whatever festivals or faith they choose - or to have no faith at all.  But let that fairness and respect play to all beliefs, not just the visible minorities. 
Every non-Christian I have spoken to agrees with this and would wish their children to be a part of the celebration of Christmas at school.  The PC brigade can play at petty politics elsewhere, they should not ruin Christmas for the rest of us.