Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed generally on December 25th as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
A feast central to the Christian liturgal year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide, which ends after the twelth night. Christmas is a public holiday in many of the world's nations. It is celebrated culturally by a large number of non-Christian people, and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season.
As well as the tradition of gift giving, decorations adorn businesses and homes, festive music is played and church services are held. Check local newspapers and church boards for Mass services in your area.
Take time out (even if it's only an hour) to visit family or elderly neighbours who may be lonely. This time of year can be hardest for them with the cold weather and some may not have family close by! A visit can sometimes be the most welcome thing that has happened to them in a long while.
Take a bit of 'time-out' to remember the people who can't be with their families this year, whether through illness or hospitalised, pehaps a soldier on deployment, someone who has passed away or people who just live too far away from their families to be with them.
If you wish to make a donation or talk to someone about how you can make a difference to somebody this year you can call Age Concern, Freedom Social Project, Nightstop or any other charitable body who will direct you and your genorosity to the right place.
Christmas means something different to everybody. Peace on Earth and To All Men! Stay safe, healthy and most importantly, happy!
Merry Christmas from all here at TheBestof Barnstaple!
