Whatever and wherever they are, the issues and problems that disrupt and destroy lives or the things that give quality to life do not do “sense of occasion”. So, yesterday, as I went through a fab Christmas Day surrounded by siblings, in-laws and the next generation of our family, I thought about all the people everywhere whose commitments and efforts go towards enabling enjoyments of freedoms, security, care and peace of mind whatever the day of year or part of the world. Many worked on Christmas Day, many will do so today and through the festive season, and into the New Year and beyond for as long as there is need or expectation of need for them. They sacrifice time with loved ones so we can have that. They give up on enjoyment so we can have fun and even be protected from some of the consequences or excesses of our fun.

Healthcare professionals, emergency services workers, police officers, transport system workers and a whole range of others will be joined by some of my fellow servicemen and service women to cover us all with an awesome blanket of security and care. My gratitude and thoughts go out to all of them as well as to the loved ones who indirectly but no less significantly make the sacrifice for us all.

I send them all best wishes for the rest of the festive season and the New Year.