Most of us are happy, relieved, exhausted or some combination of these at this time of the year as we take a break from work, go on holiday and spend quality time with our families.
Most of us are happy, relieved, exhausted or some combination of these at this time of the year as we take a break from work, go on holiday and spend quality time with our families.
Some lucky people receive Christmas presents or end-of-the-year bonuses, while others just enjoy the feasting that normally happens in the holidays. It is, however quite a tense period for young people who have just written their matric exams.
While their families are probably celebrating in anticipation, the pupils are often too nervous to make merry. How did they do in the exams? Were they able to catch up the weeks lost to the teachers’ strike? Did they study enough? The results of the exams will play a big part in determining the future of the matriculants, so their anxiety is perfectly reasonable.
Let us spare a thought for those who will be waiting for many anxious days to find out whether or not they have lived up to expectations.
Let us also show respect for the many people in our community who will have to work this festive season while the rest of us celebrate. Not only will emergency services workers such as nurses, fire fighters and police officers have to be on duty, but there will also be numerous people working in restaurants, guest houses, supermarkets and petrol stations, just to keep us all happy.
It is worth bearing in mind that not everyone will be able to afford a happy holiday season. There are too many individuals in our society who would love to be able to exchange gifts and enjoy a delicious meal with their loved ones – but they just don’t have the means to do it.
Grahamstonians are usually generous in sharing with the less privileged, but there will still be many who this festive season will go without the Christmas trappings. Perhaps most important of all is to show sensitivity for people who find themselves alone at this time of the year. We need to consider those who have lost loved ones and will be spending this festive season grieving, with a sense of loss over those who should have been here to celebrate with us.
