It's Christmas Eve and, for many of us, it is the start of a week - and a little bit more - of celebration, lasting through to the New Year.

If it's not celebration, it is at least a time of holidays, a break away from the normal routine and some relaxation too. That some people have taken the opportunity for a few days of vacation leave and the closure of schools has already had its effect, particularly on the traffic flow.

There will be occasions for families to gather around a table, exchange gifts, and spend some quality moments. Friends will also meet up to spend a few hours together.

There will be talk about politics, sport, the value of Christmas and a million other subjects between a bite of turkey and a sip of wine. One hopes that, whatever the argument, it remains a healthy discussion and does not degenerate into something people involved will regret later. As usual, we do recommend moderation - in everything, but in particular in the consumption of alcohol. Those who will be driving should not drink.

It is also that time of the year when people who are alone, suffer from social anxiety or who simply do not conform with the norm find it harder.

There are many of them, more than we like to think. At least there are various organisations who, on Christmas Day, organise lunches for those who would otherwise spend the day on their own. The people who sacrifice their own Christmas with their loved ones to spend it with others who have nowhere to go should be commended.

Then there are others who do not like social occasions that much, and do their best at this time of the year to be more sociable than they would like to be. There should be a better understanding of their situation and, rather than trying to force them, it would be better to just appreciate that they are making an effort just to be there for the party.

Boxing Day will also bring the traditional so-called Strina fund-raising event. The term Strina was traditionally linked to 6 January, the Epiphany, when Three Kings visited Baby Jesus and brought him the gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.  Over the past years we have shifted the use of the term to 26 December, the day when funds are raised for the Community Chest Fund.

People now associate Strina with the fund-raising activity held on Boxing Day, and it is difficult to turn the clock back and change the name of the event, or change the day when the activity is held to 6 January. People are now used to the event being held the day after Christmas.

We encourage people to be generous in their donations. The money collected will go to help families who are in need.

It is a worthy cause.