This is the time of year when each of us in our own way prepares for Christmas. It remains a time of year when we try to do something for someone else, whether it is the buying of a present, the invite to Christmas Dinner, the writing of a Christmas card, or even the promise to finally make that long-promised visit to someone’s home just for a ’blether’.
It’s right that we can take some time to reflect on the year or Christmas’ past and take satisfaction in our good times, and consolation during bad. We take great pride in watching our own families grow up and nurture their own personalities and achievements.
I have been lucky enough to visit Bethlehem as an MP and know only to well that Christmas remains a celebration of a baby’s birth more than 2000 years ago. However, Christmas remains a time, not only for children to enjoy themselves, but also for the mums, dads, granny’s, grandas, aunts and uncles to have a good time in each others company.
There’s nothing better than listening to an excited youngster talking about Santa and what surprises he might bring on Christmas Morning. And if truth be told, I think we all have a bit of a youngster in us that enjoys, If not the shopping, then certainly Christmas Day itself.
As an MP, 2009 was spent campaigning on many local issues and speaking up for families who had come to me for help. I made many visits to schools, workplaces and to a host of local organisations. Throughout the coming year tackling the effects in our area of the global recession, and day to day life issues that have an effect on local families will remain my priority.
However, even during this recession, I also look forward to supporting efforts by the Government to tackle global poverty. The duty and responsibility to stand up for the people of The Third World remain at the very core of our belief in equality and social justice for all. I would also like to extend my best wishes to the members of our armed forces who are serving in various parts of the world and who I know, always enjoy reading their local paper no matter where they happen to be serving.
I would once again like to take this opportunity to thank our local heroes for their unsung efforts. Our Community Volunteers, Home Helps, Carers and Social and Health Service workers and all our Emergency Services, - all of whom collectively make life so much easier and safer for so many people throughout the Motherwell and Wishaw area.
My very best wishes to you and yours. Have a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.