Express & Star

Keith Harrison: All I want for Christmas? Some precious time with my family

So here it is . . . Christmaaaas again, already. Payday for Noddy, Woody and Shaky; pay up for the rest of us.

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Another year flown past, with so much still left to do.

January's resolutions seem like only yesterday and yet – Boom! – here we are shopping for mince pies, wrapping paper and festive punchlines.

It's crackers.

And yet, I'm always really glad to see Christmas come around.

As Cliff Richard (steady) once said, it's my favourite time of year.

And with the year Cliff's had, he can be forgiven a large glass of wine. Might want to avoid the mistletoe though – just to be on the safe side.

But anything that makes everyone smile, think about other people and get to spend time with the ones they love has to be a good thing, whatever your religious persuasion.

You like the nativity story? Go with the nativity story.

You think all religion is bunk? Meh. Stick a funny jumper on and join in anyway.

Where's the harm in it?

We slave away all year, and for what? Life's never been busier, more hectic or more pressurised. The digital revolution may have put the world at our finger tips, but where's the 'off' switch?

There isn't one.

Young people starting out in careers now face a dog-eat-dog struggle of long hours, stress and uncertainty.

Yes, they may have a Samsung Galaxy and a flat screen TV but if they haven't got the time to enjoy them then what's the point?

And that's why Christmas is important.

It should – SHOULD – remind us where our priorities lie.

This may not apply to everyone, but I bet most of us don't spend enough time with our families.

And if we do, we don't appreciate it, we don't engage with them as we should, we don't talk to them – properly talk.

Even when they're in the same room as me, my pair are often there in body only; snapchatting, facebooking or twittering away to some unseen pal on 'social' media.

"Yeah, I'm at my Dad's. Yeah, it's boring. Yeah, you wanna facetime?"

Ahhh, the joy of teenagers.

Yet Christmas should be a time to open up; to tell people you love them, to make the most of family that may not be there this time next year.

I know I'm starting to sound like Reverend Lovejoy, but we need to treasure and cherish the times we spend with those near and dear to us.

And we need to make time. I'd much rather my kids grab me a de-icer from the Shell garage (which they probably will) and spend time with me, than get me some fancy pressie (which they definitely won't) and pop in for half an hour.

Without getting all mawkish here, take a moment to think back to memories of loved ones past . . . and Christmas dinners, parties and paper hats will all loom large.

Remember the joy of being a kid and getting the presents you dreamed of, when Father Christmas was a REAL person.

Think about how nice your street looks all lit up and the warm glow of candles and carol singers.

Bear in mind how bare that corner will look when you take the glistening tree down, how dark it looks when you pull out the plug last thing at night.

Marvel at how nice it is that aunties and uncles you haven't seen for years still a) know where you live these days and b) send you a card.

And neighbours who you barely see throughout the year take time to say hello and offer a mince pie (yes please).

Christmas brings out the best in people, it brings friends and families together and reminds us that for all the great Christmas songs out there, all you need is love.

So, are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?

I know I am, because in all honesty . . . I wish it could be Christmas every day.

@kharrison_star

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