I am in a panic. Christmas is fast approaching, and the last days for card postage are here. I am sitting at my desk, a whole pile of cards on one side, my address book on another and stamps in front of me. How many get out their address book and write a multitude of cards saying ‘To…’, ‘From…’?

But does this show people that you care? The same goes for presents. Just because you bought a present, does it mean that you really care about that person? Most people’s checklist for Christmas gets as far as cards, presents, decorations and parties (others would not bother at all).

Many would argue that this is what Christmas comes for. Spending money, rather than enjoying the true spirit of this special time of the year. Most people are aware of this fact. However although they do complain about the way Christmas has lost its true spirit they do nothing about it.

This is the reason why this year ZAK (Zghazagh Azzjoni Kattolika) with the co-operation of X-Fm radio decided that their annual Christmas campaign be focused on such issues. In fact this year the theme chosen is Value Added Christmas (VAC) and numerous activities, both internally within the ZAK groups and externally with the rest of the community, will be focusing on this idea.

The idea is that in all one does this Christmas one spends more thought and time rather than cash. Unfortunately many people feel obliged to give a gift, and if this is the case, one should focus more on giving a tailor-made gift – something you know the receiver would appreciate. Personally I would rather get a small gift which shows that the other person really knows what I require at that particular moment. Even if this is just a word of encouragement and support when things are not so rosy, not necessarily Christmas.

Thus one of the ideas, which ZAK has come up with (amongst others) is that of an Internal Santa, whereby each member would have to give a present (which must be made with thought and not bought) for another person in the group. The receiver would not know who will be sending him/her the gift, until the day when it is received. This idea was met with great enthusiasm in all the centres were it was mentioned. However different ZAK centres have different ideas as well.

So why do you not sort out your priorities this Christmas? Send something with thought. Not necessarily bought. This will certainly show you care more.

One last thing … for the festive season we are also promoting the idea to use public transport especially when going to parties or socialising events. Our aim is to reduce the risk of traffic accidents on the Maltese roads. Think twice – maybe it is worth to cooperate with us.

For more information about ZAK you may pay a visit to the official website www.zakmalta.org or send an email to [email protected].

Happy Christmas.

Cecilia Fenech

Zghazagh Azzjoni Kattolika

Floriana