Along with accumulating the presents under the tree, thoughts are also turning to the Christmas menu, those lunch and dinner courses when tables groan – along with tummies – and there always seems to be enough left over to last until next Christmas.

The city is adorned with Christmas lights and every night between now and Christmas Eve there’ll be a constant stream of traffic through the best-decorated streets – remember, he who has the most fairy lights, wins!

There’s a wonderful sense of community around the annual light displays, and the effort people go to should be applauded. Without them, the season just wouldn’t be the same.

It’s an exciting time of year, there’s no doubt. But amid the joy, the giving, the fun, the friendship and love, there’s also a darker side.

For those without family ties or the means to buy presents for their children or put a Christmas lunch on the table, it can be a lonely and incredibly stressful time, and those of us with so much would do well to remember that.

Charities are crying out for food, gift and cash donations – one local charity said there were more people in need that ever this year – and their calls should not go unnoticed.

Imagine if everyone who was able donated just one gift to someone who may well go without otherwise, or bought a pudding or shortbread for inclusion in much-needed Christmas charity hampers?

Christmas has become so much about consumerism that the deeper meaning of the season gets somewhat lost.

For children, it’s so important to show them that, along with receiving, giving is one of the greatest joys and one of the best things we can do for each other.

Christmas should be about sharing – and appreciating – what we have. 

There’s nothing wrong with celebration, but anything we can do to spread that joy makes us all better people and our community a better place to live.

Time is running out to donate gifts and food at the various department stores and charities around town, so don’t delay.

It needn’t be extravagant. Every little bit helps and to know it may have helped put a smile on someone’s face should be all you need to feel happy this festive season.