Yesterday, I had the joy of attending our Village community Children's Christmas Party.
I have never attended one before, but now that I have become part of the extended family to my Muse, we took his Grandchildren.
I confess that initially, I was far from enamored with the idea of spending my Sunday afternoon with a village hall full of kids, but since I suggested the idea, it was the least I could do to go and support the family. But I am glad I did.
The event was well organised and anyone who lives or have connections with the village was invited and it was free for all who came. This was all down to the time and commitment of a handful of volunteers fundraising for the event throughout the year.
There was party food for the kids, Mulled wine and mince pies for the adults, a short crafting workshop, a very funny and entertaining Magician and last but certainly not least, there was the all important visit from Father Christmas who gifted out quality, age appropriate presents for each of the children.
Out of the twenty or so children attending, I have recently learnt that some of the kids who came had to rely on the food bank this week to be fed. It was a timely reminder that not every family can afford parties and presents.
It is far too easy to stand on the sidelines and judge, I don't have children of my own. I used to think if you can't afford to have kids, don't have any, but then I never had the overwhelming desire to have them. For those who do, no matter how hard one does their best, circumstance can change. Jobs can be lost, relationships can breakdown, partners can die, rented properties that might be your home for years go on the market, cost of living goes up and wages go down. Every parent I know wants to do their best by their children, it is not my place or indeed anyone's to make judgments on other people's life choices until we walk in their shoes. Age has given me the wisdom to understand that not everything is black and white.
One of the other life lessons I have learnt over the years is to know that we all have the power to reach out and lend support and to have empathy for our neighbours. We can help make a difference in people's lives. As a community working together, we are capable of making an even bigger difference. I am proud to be part of a community who is able to do just this.
And even if we don't have the cash to splash, or the time to give, in a country full of turmoil and upheaval over this festive season, perhaps the greatest gifts is a listening ear, to try and understand another's perspective, to validate one another and to be kind. Always.
