As I sit here, in the last working day before a very well-deserved break, I’m reflecting on the forthcoming Christmas celebrations.

This year will be very different to the last.

I’m spending quality time with my teenagers. I’m not going to be driving 160kms back and forth across Auckland on Christmas Day. I’m not going to be walking in to a Christmas gathering that is already in full flight that I hadn’t been a part of organising. I’ll be spending quality time with people I like. This is a very good thing indeed.

This year I’ve not subscribed to the desperate rush to buy gifts for people unnecessarily. This year I’ve not subscribed to the desperate need to decorate – to buy a tree, to buy baubles, to buy all the red, green, silver and gold things. (Actually I’ll do this next year!)

It’s been freeing.

I do hope that your Christmas experience is all that you want or need it to be. I do hope that if you are isolated and feel a bit off-balance, or alone, that you reach out to the people you like and let them know. Your friends will step up.

All the best everybody!

^SD