Hi everyone,

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and I really hope that each and every one of you does something to celebrate today.  EVERY one of you.  Here's why:

For many years, I've not been following any religion.  Whilst the UK has more Christians than any other religious denomination (about 59% according to the census, followed by people who are not religious at about 32%), I refuse to apply any religious meaning to the holiday and, as such, wish it to everyone and hope that everyone celebrates it in the same way I do, which is kind of like how I imagine Americans would celebrate Thanksgiving - it's a day that I use to give thanks to the people that have come into my life and made it better, and to say goodbye to those that have left me, so that I can start 2016 afresh.  I hope that you all can do that, because as a human being I am sure you have someone you are grateful for.  Someone that you want to thank for just being a part of your life.  Not for something they have done, or because they've listened to you one time, or because they've loaned you money a few months ago, but just because they were a part of your life this year and they've made it better.  It's a human thing to have that, and I hope that you will celebrate today by giving thanks to that person, or even those people if there is more than one.  Please, remember that there are people out there that don't have a home, that don't have food, that are in war, in famine, in disasterous situations.  Ones we can not comprehend and ones we would not wish on anyone.  Remember them and keep them in your hearts.  You don't have to do anything (but if you can, please do), but remember them and remember how fortunate you are to have a home and to have people in your social circle, including people online, that care about you.  Remember how you have access to information that these people don't have.  Remember that you have the chance and the opportunity to do something worthwhile with your own life, and don't waste it.  Don't feel guilty or supress any anxieties or depression you feel.  Just be thankful for the opportunities you have and make the most out of them that you possibly can.

Some people have a home and family and friends, but they will still be lonely this Christmas.  Especially older relatives and neighbours.  If you can, just visit them or call them up and see how they are.  If you are eating Christmas dinner, try to bring them a small portion (if you can), or bring them a slice of Christmas cake.  Let them know that they are being thought of.  Spend, if you can, a little time with them and speak to them.  Don't let them be lonely. If they allow you to, make them a hot drink or run an errand or two for them, again if you can.  Bring joy into their lives, even if it is just for a day.

Some people even have others there to take care of them, but feel so alone and isolated from people who are sitting in the same room as them.  People just like you.  So make time for them too.  I know I said that people are homeless or are in a war zone, but that doesn't mean you can't cry because your favourite toy is broken or your pet has died (I wrote that becaue I read a post by CAPS4SAMMEH and I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and I am sorry for your loss of Nimmy).  These problems are much smaller in comparison to ones that others are facing, but they are still problems that exist and they are still problems that you will be facing today.  They aren't insignificant because they are impacting you.  Some of you will feel suicidal because of some fight you've had with your family, or you'll be stressed because of exams, or you'll be angry at your boyfriend or girlfriend becase they're not able to spend today with you.  You are being thought of today, and I hope you will remember this.  Things will get better, because people will be there for you.  Even if you think they won't be, there will be someone thinking "I hope they don't die today."  I promise you.

Today, let's not look at each other and think of our differences.  Let's not even think of our similarities.  Let's just care about each other.  Let's just give a damn about each other and listen to each other.  For one day, if we can.  No fandom wars, no ranting about a lack of comments, no complaining about upvote shops, no being mad at things that wil have no bearing on your day.  For today, please, let's just be people, let's be human, and let's just care about each other.  For one day, let's see if we can change one person's world.  Let's see if we can do just one thing that makes one person's day.  Not because it's the "Christian" thing or the "Muslim" thing or the "Jewish" thing or whatever religion you follow, but because it's the right thing to do.  Be thankful for every good thing you have in your life, because there are a lot of good things, even if you can only see the bad things.  Be thankful for the chances you have in your life, no matter how small and insignificant they are.  Be thankful for the experiences you have had, even if they have come to an end too soon.  You have had the chance to experience life at its purest and fullest for that moment, so be thankful for it.  If you have people around you, tell them you appreciate what they do for you, just becase you do.  And show someone that they are cared for and thought of.  Don't expect anything in return.  If you speak to your neighbour for ten minutes and make them a hot drink, don't expect payment for it.  Don't even do it to make you feel good.  Do it simply because you can.  No other reason.

Merry Christmas, everyone.  Have a wonderful day today and show someone that you care, no matter how small the gesture is.  Believe me, it makes a difference.