Christmas is literally around the corner. In a few days, the world will rejoice in the birth of Christ. But it will also be a time for families to come together to spend precious time together at this one time of the year when we seem to finally be able to put our hectic lives on hold and celebrate what is truly important, life, health, wellbeing and our loved ones.

It goes without saying that we should all appreciate what we have, but at this time of the year, feelings and emotions are amplified. Some might have suffered bereavement of a loved one, others might be nursing someone who is terminally ill, others have to give constant care and attention to people who might be elderly and suffering from dementia, or cancer.

There are those who are less fortunate in terms of standard of living. There are those who are poor. There are others who might be in Malta because they fled their own country. Some might have arrived here alone and others might have lost their families in trying to get to Malta. Some might have lost their jobs. Others might be mourning the anniversary of a loved one’s passing.

We do not think of death or misfortune in our daily lives, and that is the human spirit. Some people might be struggling with all the troubles in the world, yet they put a smile on their face and you would not know anything about what they are going through.

And this is why, sometimes, just a smile can help someone. That person standing on the corner, who might be missing a spouse who has passed, that person who might have just been through a tough divorce, that person who might have learned that their child is ill.

Giving is not just about presents, or donations. The biggest form of giving is that of giving ourselves. Giving some of our time to listen, giving some compassion or just offering to babysit children or run an errand.

We often say that this time of the year should also be for reflection. And that is absolutely true. Rather than reflecting on whether the present we have bought are good enough or not, we should be reflecting on how we have lived our lives this year and whether we have done enough good to those around us, our loved ones and society as a whole.

Luckily, our society is a very inclusive one, support can be found at every corner. But even so, let us spare a thought for those that this year, might not have the happiest of Christmas holidays. But let us not only reflect on it, let us also change our behaviour, both individually and collectively, to ensure that those who need help and support find more of it.