MERRY Christmas to everyone.

For some it is a special religious celebration, for others it is a time to spend with family and friends or it may just be an opportunity to have time off work, or all three, writes DAVID RENARD.

Whatever you wish to do, may you have an enjoyable time.

However, I would like us to think about those for whom this is not a time of celebration.

There are some people in our communities who are isolated, or whose families live too far away.

If you can spread just a little seasonal cheer with a visit and a mince pie to any of your neighbours who might be alone, that kindness will reflect the spirit of the season.

At the same time, there will be those for whom the day-to-day work must continue.

We tend to think of the blue light services, as we should, but there are also the carers and social workers whose work must continue even while everyone else seems only to want to relax and have fun.

I would like to pay a particular debt of thanks to all the council’s staff who will be keeping core services going, especially as so much of our role now is about caring for the young and vulnerable elderly, and those with learning difficulties.

There will be other people whose work also becomes more frenetic at this time, such as those carrying out the much anticipated rail improvement works. Again, I am sure our gratitude goes out to those who have to work when everyone else is relaxing at home.

If you are intending to spend the Christmas and New Year period enjoying good company and good food, I would like you to keep one word in mind: moderation.

It is all too tempting to over-eat and drink too much. This applies as much to meals at home as well as if you are going out to parties or other celebrations. Simple things like having a glass of beer or wine then a glass of water and having a good meal before you go drinking can help ensure that your Christmas is memorable for all the right reasons.

Above all, have a happy, safe and pleasant holiday season.