Editorial: Time to relax and recharge

The Hawke's Bay Today wishes everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas.

The Bay seems to be busier than usual in the build-up to Christmas this year.

Wherever you go there are people out shopping. Retailers must be smiling because it seems as if people aren't holding back in purchasing large and expensive presents.

I spent the weekend in Auckland and it was even worse there.

After a frantic weekend of crowds, traffic and more crowds and traffic, it was good to come back to the Bay.

While Havelock North, Hastings and Napier seem to be very busy, it is still quite pleasant to be out and about.

Hopefully things start slowing down this evening and people can simply enjoy Christmas Day. I sometimes think we go a little crazy in the days before Christmas and then collapse in exhaustion on the day.

The important thing is to enjoy the time. If the day has a Christian meaning for you, then enjoy giving thanks and celebrating the meaning of the day. If it is simply about family and friends, hopefully you have those closest to you gathered around you.

For some people, Christmas can be a time of stress as a result of domestic violence. Money problems and/or excessive alcohol can lead to some vulnerable people having a terrible time over what is meant to be a very peaceful time.

If you think you know someone who may be in that situation, then see if you can help them or at least get some of the many worthy agencies who deal with this sort of thing to help them.

You may be giving someone the best Christmas present ever.

Whatever your situation is, we wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas.