Christmas spirit is worth plenty

Editorial printed on 24 December 2009

A LETTER writer today expresses her excitement and relief at having managed to beat the snow and ice to get from overseas back to her Dublin family home. "I hope and pray that everyone else reaches their desired destination too," she writes.

It's a generous thought, worthy of the season, one that recognises not only the weary travellers trying to get back to the places of their childhood, or perhaps to the loved ones they have had to leave behind to seek a living in another, more welcoming economic environment.

While the newly poor and the still prosperous pause to celebrate another Christmas, each in his or her own way, a less fortunate group of citizens struggle to survive in the back alleys and basements of society.

Hundreds of people sleep rough in our cities every night, homeless shelters are overflowing and droves queue at free food kitchens every day of the week.

A stranger's act of generosity can show one of these souls the true meaning of Christmas.

For others, not destitute in the material sense, nagging concerns about money, relationships or loneliness can engulf men and women who are already trying to cope with the challenge of recession.

For the elderly living alone, a knock on the door and a friendly greeting from a neighbour can be a spiritual experience.

Material things may be a little thinner under the tree this year, but a little kindness can go a long way.

Happy Christmas to all our readers.

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