Editorial: Kindness is a great Christmas gift

Andrew Austin, Editor of Hawke's Bay Today.

It always amazes me how fast-paced life becomes before everything slows down dramatically for Christmas.

Wherever you go there is an urgency as people strive to get everything done before the countdown to the big day and the summer holiday.

Christmas can be a special time of year. For many it is a time of family and relaxation, while for some of us it also has an important religious meaning.

But, whatever it means to you, it should be a time of peace, joy and happiness - a time when we jump off the treadmill of life (if we can) and breathe a little.

It is also a time to care and be aware of others.

Many of us can count ourselves privileged enough to be able to spend the time with family in a loving, safe environment.

Unfortunately there are many people in our community who do not have that luxury.
There are many people lonely, afraid and depressed, who could do with some good things happening to them.

For most children, and some adults as well, it is a time to receive gifts and it is such a nice feeling to get something that you really wanted. But, I find as I get older, giving gifts and even just kindness over this time also has its own reward.

Doing something that makes someone else feel better about themselves and brightens their day just that little bit is often better than receiving a gift yourself.

So this Christmas give others that gift of kindness.

Their response may be the best gift you ever get.