The end of term approaches

 It's a funny old time of year. I've reduced my expectations and now expect: a few days off, walking in the frosty air, some nice food, to see my kids and family, a glass of wine and some knitting and old films. I don't expect any more and every year Christmas surpasses my expectations. The term has been long, the final assessments have been done, my students have worked really hard and their controlled assessments bore the fruit of their labour and my motivating them to labour!

Kids have huge expectations and not all are met. The media has nothing to do with their expectations. They want family time. There is little time for family. The kids I know really don't want much and don't mind what they get as a present. My heart just broke today talking to some kids, who have their troubles and most for Christmas just want to see their mum or parent they don't live with. One told me they just wanted to know where their mum was.

I shall worry about them until I see them again, it might sound odd, but I hope it snows for them so they can play in it and have some fun. It will brighten their holiday. I pray that no one has their electricity cut off, that no one drinks away the food money and children can see their parents.

 I love Christmas, for what it really is, a celebration of the birth of Jesus, who shapes the world I live in and what I believe in. I pray in his name that the children I know will be safe, happy and loved, this Christmas and always.