We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well at this festive time of year and say thank you for your continued support.
However, we’d also like to spare a thought for those less able to be full of Christmas cheer.
For many people, Christmas can be a lonely and sad time, particularly if you have suffered a bereavement or other traumatic things have happened in your life.
I am very lucky to have come to Melbourne to spend this Christmas with the Australian family, and it was something that Robert and I planned to do last year, but of course, we never got the chance to do it.
For me, it’s quite a surreal experience being in a sunny country when we are programmed that it should be a cold time of year, but I don’t think we will get snow here, although there are Christmas trees in abundance and kids running around in Father Christmas hats which is rather joyous.
From my short experience of being alone, I can definitely say if you have a family member or know of someone who is going to be alone, please be aware that even if they say they want to be alone that may not be the case. It’s a very difficult thing to ask for help when you feel vulnerable mentally, and it affects so many people who have difficulty expressing how they feel.
But it’s not only bereavement that makes people feel this way. So many young people who suffer with emotions and life, in general, can feel so isolated even in a family environment, so we all need to be aware to include each other in our thoughts.
This Christmas, however, I am grateful to be surrounded by my family in Australia and will embrace the sunshine and warmth, even if it does feel very different for me this year.
Here’s hoping it’s a happy time for everyone.
With best wishes from Melbourne
