As we all suddenly realise that Christmas is nearly upon us and there's so much to do / so many cards to write / so many gifts to buy, please spare a moment to consider how fortunate most of us are to consider these as 'problems'. Every day I meet so many people for whom Christmas is a time of great pain and anguish, largely because of the financial burden it places upon them or the unhappy memories it unleashes.  If you have the opportunity, perhaps consider popping into one of the excellent charity shops in our community to make a small donation, buy some of those Christmas cards you've yet to write or even off-load some of those clothes you've been meaning to get rid of.  At this time more than ever, so many of our neighbours are enduring difficult circumstances.  If you could spare them a few minutes to go round to ask how they are, or invite them in for a cup of tea, I'm sure it would be appreciated.

We're all busy people, but just a little thought for others at this time of the year could make such a difference to other people's lives.  Please don't assume someone else will do it.  And I promise you, you'll feel the benefit of doing something good just as much as those on the receiving end of your generosity.