IT’S always a favourite of ours running the Christmas lights map each year.
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We love hearing from you about what you’ve put up, what you’ve added on previous years’ efforts and the response from the people who come to see them.
Now that Santa has come and gone and the reindeer have been tucked up in the North Pole barn for another year, the lights must also come down.
But it’s sad to hear that among the fun and frivolity of Christmas, there’s mindless vandalism being inflicted on those who put their hearts into their efforts, including Steve Cassell.
Due to vandals literally taking to his lights with a pair of pliers, Mr Cassell has gone from covering his house in lights to draping them across a single window.
Christmas is a hard time of year for many – we know from our charities that some families go into debt to ensure their children don’t miss out on presents, while others don’t have the luxury of family company during the festive season.
Lights may be just that, but they’re an uplifting part of the time – they’re a simple pleasure enjoyed by all.
Indeed, several people have commented about their memories of Mr Cassell’s lights.
To take that away is nothing short of Scrooge-like.
We are more pleased to hear of the success of the 20th annual Christmas community lunch at the function centre, hosted by Orange Baptist Church, which was attended by 400 people.
In particular, we congratulate the volunteers who gave their time on Christmas Day to ensure others did not mark the day alone and the sponsors who made it happen with the all-important food.
People can be away from family for a number of reasons, whether it be due to shift work in the household or geographical distance.
As we head into 2018, it’s important to remember that many individuals and families will still need support into the new year.
There’s a lot many of us can do to help, whether it be a cash donation to a charity for those in financial stress or giving toiletries and other supplies for victims of domestic violence or families with loved ones in hospital.
There is also the simple act of saying hello and checking that our friends and colleagues are doing alright.
The festive season is far from over and, we hope, so is the spirit of giving.