Christmas Wishes and Cherished Memories: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Pondoland Times Family

A very blessed and special Christmas to you and your family. Thank you for supporting our publication with every click and print. You are the most important part of our every day and we appreciate every word shared, spoken about all of us here at Pondoland Times.

Its the most beautiful time of the year. Everyone seems to care more, share more, love more and appreciate more. Every year, every Christmas this one beautiful time in our lives across the world people give more thought to another. Christmas Carols in the air, lights alive and the joy of every boy and girl.

When I was a little girl we lived in a community of over 80 people. We ate, prayed, played and lived life together. At Christmas we were the recipients of many opened hearts that would donate or share their blessings with us. (It was my parent’s journey in life to live a life that identified with the less fortunate and to share all we had).

So much of our spoils as children came from the generosity of others. Sitting around a table breaking bread with everyone is still one of my favourite memories and best things to do. Christmas lunch saturated with joy and laughter from holding hands in prayer to crossing our arms to crack bon-bons (Christmas Crackers). Then there was the visits to each of my parents’ siblings through the day. Over the next two days of Christmas Day and Boxing Day we would be filled with unexplainable hope, peace, joy and love, covered with bucket load of giggles and games of tag. These relationships and experiences kept this season alive in ways I fall short putting into words today.

In all that we experience as children never giving a thought to how the adults in my life managed to continue every year, every Christmas to give us the best and most blessed special season.

I was texting with my sister this week and we marvelled at how my folks managed to do Christmas clothes, food, toys for the entire season for our family of 8 and still manage to take us on holiday to the Eastern Cape almost every year. I am grateful that beyond that outpouring of financial blessings, my parents instilled in us the true meaning and experience of Christmas.

Carols by Candlelight was an excitement that could not be contained. Christmas Eve Mass in the quiet darkness filled with the reverence, warmth, and unimaginable love even the smallest of us felt. Still today, as I recollect, I am looking forward to the smell of candles, incense, and the unity as we celebrate the birthday of our Lord.

No matter what Christmas means to you. If it’s all about teaching your children about Santa or taking them half asleep to midnight mass, we wish you all the love and joy this season brings.

May your home be protected, your family bonded and connected, your relationships renewed and restored. May you take a moment to remember the family that is without. The family without parents or the love of a sibling or even the love of some to care for them this year.

So today, this year and every year, we wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas. May the wonder and miracle of this season continue to enlighten your hearts and hearths.