I absolutely love Christmas! As hectic as it is, I thoroughly enjoy the build-up and preparation, with the ultimate reward of being able to relax and celebrate with my family and friends. As a child Christmas was always a magical experience and it has never ceased to be one of the most special and meaningful times of the year. However, I am not naive and I realise that for many this may not be a time of comfort and joy. For a myriad of reasons Christmas can be an extremely miserable season.

For many children Christmas is present centred and their Christmas joy is inextricably linked to the value and quantity of the gifts they receive. Our power to change the opinions of our pupils concerning giving at Christmas may be limited, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to shift their gaze from themselves and to consider those less fortunate, if only for a short time. I am not suggesting for a moment that we seek to curb their Christmas spirit but rather that they come to understand the joy of giving to others.