My earliest memory of a profound discourse was a little sermon given by the minister of our local church just before Christmas. I was around 8 years old and going to church was the biggest bore. My mother would rotate us children in this holy duty, so it was penance for me every 5 weeks. But I will always remember what the wise old minister said on this particular day. He quietly stated that Christmas was not presents and all the hoopla but listening. Appreciating the quiet. It was almost as if he was saying Christmas was a time for meditation. Blasphemy!!

Christmas for many of us can seem like purgatory. So this time round take a moment to find a quiet space and listen — or just listen to others and take a back seat. Meditate on the meaning of it all. And have a magical festive season.