And so it came to pass…

Christmas has come round again. Is it me , dear reader, or does time pass more quickly as the years go by? Well whatever, here we are again in a haze of sprouts ( mine have been simmering since October…. Sir Terry Wogan always said that was the way to cook them, so who am I to argue?!) , turkeys, presents, wrapping paper, carols …. just a minute what happened to carol singers ( and I don’t mean the lads that ring the doorbell, sing “O come all ye faithful” and whilst you’re waiting for “ Joyful and triumphant” , they put a pot in front of you in which they expect you to place coins… I don’t think so. Learn the whole carol then come back, and just maybe I’ll give you a glass of sherry and a mince pie! A sure way to deter further such visits!

This blog is going to be short … phew I hear you say, she can’t half ramble! No it is going to be short because the DB and I are going away for Christmas- don’t worry back to prepare dinner for 14 on Boxing Day in case you thought I’d completely lost it!

No, we’re going to the most junior offspring today and being treated to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Can’t wait, dear reader!

Though this wouldn’t be me if I didn’t share my thoughts on this years Christmas with you. I am delighted to say that the adults in our family decided not to buy presents for one another – we previously set a limit of £5 per person, so had £30 per couple to donate to a charitable cause of their choosing.

My midwife daughter in law bought toiletries and sanitary products for the homeless women of Leeds. The thought of anyone being on the street at any time fills me with horror but at this time of year …..words fail me. Apparently Women’s Services in Leeds have girls coming in with washing liquid to wash their hair…please? So the department asked for donations- an excellent cause!

At my Granddaughters nursery they were asking for gifts, selection boxes for children who attend there, but have nothing or very little at Christmas . So her Mum bought gifts and other bits for them. Regardless of why there is nothing for them, every child deserves a happy Christmas.

Oh dear, I’m thinking a tissue warning might have been in order here….sorry!

So down to me ( and the DB of course) and Emma , our eldest. She discovered a charity where she lives that provide a Christmas Dinner with gifts for young people leaving the care system. Lo and behold , they do this in Barnsley too . Now, I don’t know about you, but where do people go at Christmas ….? They go home ( ok I hear you cry not necessarily) – no of course not but most likely they have a choice. The likelihood of a child/ young adult in care having a family to go to is minimal. So I am delighted to say that we have bought hamper fillings for six young adults in Barnsley ( in and I am going to be on the steering group for this team of dedicated volunteers who want to try and make a difference to young peoples lives)

So as I sit here and write this I feel quite emotional, thinking how fortunate I am, my family are – the words of Away in a Manger bring tears to my eyes – so this Christmas please spare a thought for those in society who have very little, many through no fault of their own, and think how we can all try and make a difference in 2020. It is so easy to blame successive governments and councils – but if each of us did a little bit I know we could make a real difference!

( You’ll be glad the train isn’t going round – incessant Jingle Bells can grate on the nerves)

So Dear Reader, I wish you the happiest of Christmases and a healthy and happy 2020 and thank you for taking the time to read the ruminations of this sixty something rambling woman over the past months !

I’ll be back ….. probably next year !!!!

Take care ……