Connecting for Christmas

Christmas, celebrations, sharing gifts, eating too much. Jammed roads, full flights, the “to do” list gets longer by the minute, stress levels on a rapidly upward trajectory! Many of us get tired, cranky and look forward to the January holiday!

Why do we look forward to that break in January? Could it be it is only then we stop, relax, abandon the perfect meal, and the other Christmas essentials? We don the shorts and t-shirts, take time out, and connect with people.

Stopping, (in January or any other time) allows us to notice the world around us. Perhaps notice people who won’t celebrate a fancy Christmas, a relaxing holiday, people who are disconnected from us, and our community.

The reasons for becoming disconnected are many and varied: ill health, unemployment, age, relationship break downs, or simply (and increasingly) not enough resources to be part of the “society” we move in.

Presbyterian Support Otago is here for such neighbours. Around Otago every day our teams walk alongside them, offering guidance, advocacy and support. It is not easy to seek help, to make oneself known, it takes courage to become no longer invisible but to be seen. How good is it then, to be heard and valued?

Christmas is hard for many; they may be alone or without the resources to provide a Christmas celebration like the ones we stress about. Thanks to many of you, we have resources to offer, providing choices for our clients. Our people are no longer invisible, no longer disconnected, but connected, known, and valued.

As are our residents in our Enliven care homes, where we encourage self-determination, offering help and support when needed. Our Enliven teams foster relationship building, with family-friendly spaces, outings, and fun events. Christmas will be celebrated well in our care homes, for sure.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember Jesus was born into very humble circumstances, no home, few resources, yet as an adult he changed the course of human history, offering all people the opportunity to experience hope, love and relationship. Encouraging us to know and love our neighbours.

At PSO our vision is that every person is valued and grows in a safe, strong community.

In connected communities people belong, are respected, care for each other and our environment. Help is at hand and life is celebrated, may that be your experience too!

We are always happy to speak to groups or help organise a Support Sunday for parishes. Please contact Joy Davis on 027 700 5590 or email joy.davis@psotago.org.nz

Banner image: Rev Karl Lamb with Joy Davis, PSO Community Relations Advisor, with boxes of goodies donated for Christmas by the Mornington Church community. 

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