TMID Editorial: Enjoy it, but respect others

So many activities and events are taking place all across Malta and Gozo as the country prepares to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.Apart from government-led initiatives, several local councils have also come up with their own ideas to hold publ

By: independent.com.mt

Dec 12 2024
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TMID Editorial: Enjoy it, but

So many activities and events are taking place all across Malta and Gozo as the country prepares to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

Apart from government-led initiatives, several local councils have also come up with their own ideas to hold public activities. The streets are lit up with decorations and many homes have set up their own cribs and Christmas trees.

It is that time of the year when many take a break. With children soon to start their holidays from school, families enter into a different routine. Plans for outings related to this season are made - companies hold Christmas parties or meals, friends and families make up time to meet each other and, all in all, it is that time of the year in which there is an extra effort to be more sociable.

It was not so long ago that public events were prohibited because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even family gatherings were limited in a bid to contain the spread of the disease. Those times perhaps made us realise that nothing should be taken for granted. What we have today might not be there tomorrow.

It is also a good time for business. It is the peak time for the catering industry and also for retail outlets. People eat out more and spend more in general shopping for presents, although there are some who opt for monetary gifts. Internet shopping has negatively affected local sales, but there are still many people who prefer going around shops to find the perfect gift rather than browsing on different websites with the risk that what they buy turns out to be a disappointment.

But, as many of us prepare for two-three weeks of fun, social occasions and presents, it is good to keep in mind that there are people who might not be in the same mood. Some may have lost a loved one this year (it is particularly harder when it happens close to Christmas), others may have ended a long relationship and are still finding their feet, while others still may not be passing through a good time from a professional, financial and family point of view.

It is important that these people are respected for the choices they make at this time of the year.

Added to this, then there are people who do not have a family or friends to take care of them. Loneliness at this time of the year hits harder, and it is therefore positive to note that efforts are made to bring them together, at least for Christmas lunch. The initiative taken by Caritas is one to be commended.

One other note we feel we ought to make is about substance abuse, in particular alcohol. People tend to drink more - for different reasons - at this time of the year, and while we urge for moderation, we also strongly suggest that people who drink do not drive, as this puts them and others in danger. Today, several companies offer taxi services at a reasonable cost and it is better to spend a few euros than end up in a hospital or worse.