Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la!

"It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy!
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time"

Now that is possibly my most favourite Christmas song. I remember listening to it over & over again during my childhood, adolescence etc. I still love listening to it now. When it the song gets to my absolute most favourite bit "Feed the world!" I feel something inside. I feel the need to just scream that out. It is truly amazing song.

Now the reason I am blogging is not to talk about poverty at Christmas time (which is a very big issue all year round... So I recommend you donate!) but to talk about Christmas in general.

Two thousand and eleven years ago a a star shone in the sky... Three men travelled baring gifts... Shepherds travelled with their flock... & a very special baby was born in a manger - Now that story is something to be absolutely happy about! (Well.. ecstatic really!)

I remember my Christmas as a young boy was all about family. I'd spend a whole day decorating the living room with my Mum. I'd spend almost everyday watching Christmas films & drawing Christmas cartoons. Spend an evening writing out all my Christmas cards. Christmas Eve I would spend the day pigging out on sausage rolls Mum would make for work before I'd spend the rest of the night watching more Christmas films.

 Then Christmas day I'd wake up at the crack of dawn & force my parents downstairs so I can open some presents... Then I would wait until both my Grandparents came over...possibly with my Aunt in tow as well... We'd eat a magnificent meal with several different choices for dessert... Then I'd dish out the rest of the presents to everyone... We'd fall asleep to the Queen's Speech... Have a bit of a buffet supper (using leftover OF COURSE!)... Finally we'd just watch more TV & eventually everyone would leave & the manic day would be over. I loved it!

Oh the memories I have of...
- My Mum & Nan opening a special present from my Aunt. They opened the present to discover baby's shoe inside. Yes people... That is how my Aunt told them that she was pregnant! (An idea I may have to steal in the future - if that ever happens!)
-Baby Cousin's first Christmas (He was spoilt rotten more than I ever was!)
-Opening a giant present which turned out to be a toy car for me to ride around in
Ahh memories.

But somewhere along the way... You grow up. Not only that... But your eyes open up. You start to see things. Especially at Christmas!

I've started to notice it... Especially this year.

• My Boss getting incredibly stressed with all the things he has to do before Christmas
• How everyone is getting so stressed with buying presents & not having enough time or inspiration
• People are worried because they fear they don't have enough money
• How bad things seem to happen around Christmas (e.g. Relationship break ups)
• The fact that as much as young people love snow... Adults truly hate it
• Trying to schedule when you can see your family

I have to admit... I am not in the most Christmassy of moods this year - Which is really sad.

But that is because I am ignorant. I shouldn't be focusing on the negatives about Christmas (No matter how easy it is)

I think we should all do something.
I think we should just stop.
Stop focusing on the money, presents, bad relationships... whatever.

We need to focus on the good things. We have family. We have shelter. We have friends. Do we really need anything else on Christmas?

Well yes... we do. We need to also remember... Remember that little baby who was born for us.


Live life to the full & enjoy every second we can!

Oh & Merry Christmas!!!