For many – young and not so young – Christmas is one of the most eagerly-anticipated days of the year.

Pinning down what exactly it means to people, however, is a difficult task.

To some, of course, it is a deeply-significant religious event, and even those not particularly concerned about matters spiritual may find themselves in church at this time of year, enjoying the carols and fellowship of others.

Family traditions play a huge part too – Christmas is like that, we all do it slightly differently, taking a little from our past and adding to it as we go.

The buying of the presents, the planning of meals and the sending of cards also have their place in the celebrations.

But at its best, at the heart of every good Christmas, there is a generosity of spirit that has nothing to do with the things we buy.

It is there in the delight we take in the joy of others.

It is there when we let those we hold dear know how much they mean to us by simply being with them, and remembering them if we can’t.

It is there, too, in the way we think of strangers in need – from the soup runs to Christmas dinners, toy collections to charity cards.

And it is why this is a special time.

Merry Christmas.