Christmas cheer

We’re entering a time of year that can be both joyful and very busy.

It’s a time when families and friends traditionally come together to take a break from the normal routine.

But it can also be a stressful time thanks to the pressures of travelling and last minute Christmas shopping.

As we move into the Christmas period, let’s remember to be kind to one another, treat each other patiently and with compassion and look out for those who may not have as much support and whose struggles may be amplified during this time.

This year has been a year of challenges for many people in our community – from those struggling with cost of living pressures, to those who have lost loved ones on our roads, to some of our primary producers whose livelihoods have been seriously impacted in recent weeks by factors out of their control.

There are lots of ways we can support each other as a community during this happy, but busy time.

We should treat each other respectfully when we’re out and about in the shops or on holiday.

We should always drive safely, even more particularly when we’re stressed or in a hurry, to avoid any more tragedies on our roads this year.

We should support our local businesses, particularly the cherry growers who have been impacted at the worst possible time by a second bout of heavy rains.

Time and time again the Hills community has shown its ability to come together and support one another, especially during difficult times.

So let’s work together to make this a happy and joyful Christmas and new year period, during which we celebrate the best moments of 2023 and reflect both on what we have and what challenges we’ve faced.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our coverage of issues and events affecting the Hills over the past year and we look forward to returning in 2024.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!