Barrhead Bourock Parish Church Charity Registration Number: SC016467

Dear Bourock Friends Christmas means something different to all of us. For many, it brings joyful memories and celebrations, whereas for others, it may bring back painful memories. Some may choose not to celebrate Christmas at all. Let’s take a moment to think about our own experiences of Christmas. What brings us joy and happiness? Let’s focus on spending quality time with the ones we love; feeling comfortable, warm and relaxed; smelling pine needles and Christmas dinner; or even the joy of giving to others. Now let’s think of things that may affect Christmas negatively for us. It could be the loss of a loved one, loneliness, arguments or feeling like we don’t belong. When things like this make us sad, what might help? Acts of kindness don’t have to be huge to be effective! They can be as simple as opening a door to let someone through or helping a child to feel the magic of Christmas by donating toys and games to a children’s hospital or charity. Other ideas include: - sending a card to a local care home - making small packages for the care home residents as a surprise at Christmas - filling a Christmas sack of kindness and leaving it with a note for someone to find. It could be filled with Christmas goodies such as mince pies and then refilled and passed on to someone else - becoming a secret Santa for someone vulnerable Let’s take this time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas: love, hope, kindness and togetherness. Let’s also think of those who struggle at Christmas. How can we all work together to make Christmas a special time for everyone within our community? I personally want to wish each and everyone of you a peaceful, restful and reflective Christmas as we celebrate Jesus’ birth!  Yours, Pamela and Bobby the dog.