It should be more than a desperate attempt to placate the kids by buying them everything they believe they need, and more than one day where we sit around and drink and eat until we are sick.

Depending on what you believe, Christmas is either a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, or a time to shop, eat, and visit family.

Too often it ends in an anti-climax - one that, at its best, is surrounded by piles of wrapping paper and unnecessary presents, or at its worst, hung over, ill, or arguing with family one never sees during the year.

It doesn’t have to be like that. If we saw Christmas as a concept of love, forgiveness, overwhelming generosity and even careful-minded frugalness, we could avoid all that many people find difficult about the day.

Invite those alone during the Christmas-new year break over for a meal. Give away the presents you don’t really need or want. Donate the left-overs to someone who needs them instead of throwing them out.

Choose not to spend large amounts of money on the kids just because others do. Spread your Christmas out over a week. Keep the spirit by looking at the period as an event, not just one day.

And finally, please, drive safely this holiday period. Drive safely and slowly without risk or rush. The Daily Liberal does not want to be in the position of having to put you on its front page as the region’s first fatal car accident this Christmas holiday period.

To all our readers, Merry Christmas and happy new year.