Manuel Mallia this, Manuel Mallia that and everyone seems to have forgotten that there are other things at the moment. Not that I am not shocked and disgusted with what's been going on in the Malliagate story of the past few days. Nonetheless, I'd rather focus my energy and attention on something different.

This week I've been running some errands and been out and around. However, during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season the prospect of going to Valletta was daunting. Thus, I decided to leave my errand for the later hours of the afternoon, and to be honest I was quite surprised with what I saw. The streets were buzzing and the atmosphere was electric. People were out and about and the Christmas spirit can already be felt. Therefore, I decided to use this space to share with readers some reflections and observations I've made while sipping a coffee in Valletta.

First and foremost, I was very happy to see our capital city lit up, decorated and full of people. It reminded me of my younger days when people would stroll around Valletta and when the city was in its glory days. To this end, I was very pleased that our city seems to be alive again with people shopping, restaurants and bars full of people and events being organised. For instance, when I was there I was happy to see that there was a sizeable audience for a performance at the Manoel Theatre - an opera based on a historical poem by Pietru Caxaro adapted to suit a contemporary context with modern Maltese poetry by Charles Flores and Simone Inguanez.

Secondly, during this festive season, I couldn't but notice the materialistic side of Christmas. While I have nothing against establishments promoting their merchandise and shoppers buying presents for their loved ones, I believe that this time of the year should also be about the religious festivities celebrated by the Church. After all, Christmas is the day when Jesus came into the world. Therefore, while I am no fanatic calling for people not to buy presents, I cannot but remind readers that they should at least devote some of their time during this season to prayer, reconciliation with those who have wronged us and who we have wronged, and for quality time with our loved ones.

And speaking of loved ones, I would also like to remind those sons, daughters and grandchildren whose relatives currently reside in homes for the elderly to make sure that they spend some time with their relatives during the Christmas season. This would brighten their day and let them know that somebody still cares about them.

Last but not least, this time of the year should also be about helping others. Others who are in need and who are maybe less fortunate than we are and who are facing difficulties because of health problems, poverty or others. Therefore, my appeal to those who are reading this column is a very simple and straightforward one: you may not like me and you may not agree with what I say but when you're having fun with your family and friends, please remember those who are less fortunate. To this end, I cannot but reiterate again and commend the massive respect I have for our President, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, for the excellent job she is doing where she has managed to raise the bar again and has set an example to the nation.

 

N.B I would like to wish the very best to the readers of The Malta Independent on Sunday. In fact, I wish you the gift of love. I wish you the gift of peace. I wish you the gift of happiness. May all these be yours at Christmas and all year round.

 

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