Pastoral Care Worker News

Less than 6 weeks until Christmas!! This time of year can prove to be very stressful for some families who are struggling, either financially, or else who have strained family relationships. It can be hard to meet the expectations of other people too, especially children who may expect gifts but not understand about cost and value.

Here are a few tips for a stress free Christmas.

Plan Ahead

Last minute planning is stressful. Make a list of things you need to do (by early November if possible) like buying gifts, decorations and special food items. Look out for bargains and sales throughout the year and put these aside. Make use of lay-by for larger more expensive gifts.

If you can, keep a calendar all year so that you can track when pesky, expensive bills will be due, such as electricity.

Try and make as much as possible before Christmas day. Some recipes can be partially prepared before the big day!! Also, ask other family members to bring food or drinks to help out with the cost. Our family delegates food items each year and we each bring a meat dish and a salad for lunch.

It is also possible to find cheaper items on-line and I am sure a lot of you already make use of this. (beware of postage costs though)

Avoid Perfection

Simplify across the board. The most important thing about Christmas for most of us is sharing and caring so everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Aim for casual and fun. Home-made presents can be a lovely way to use your time and talents but don’t put this pressure on yourself if you are time poor.

Wrap Presents Early

Cut your gift list down if possible and use Kris Kringle where possible so that you are only buying one present. Wrap early so that you are not juggling last minute things on Christmas Eve.

Budget

Have a realistic budget for what you want to spend on gifts and food at Christmas and try to stick to it. If possible, put away $5.00 to $10 .00per week in a jar throughout the year so that by November you have a tidy sum to spend. Try not to use Credit Cards because they only come back to bite you in January. Easier said than done though.

These are just a few ideas – I am sure you have more. The main thing is to remain calm so that on Christmas Day you can relax with family and friends.

Every Blessing.

Cherie Love, Pastoral Care Worker

Christmas Hampers

The Fundraising Committee are seeking gifts and food items for the Christmas Raffle.  I am also collecting food items to give towards making some Christmas Hampers for our school, which will be kindly donated by my local Church (Arise Christian Church).

If you or any families you know, would benefit from a Hamper, please give your name to either myself or Scott Megson.  There are a limited number available but I am hoping to be able to donate around 10 Hampers.

If you would like to donate food items for the Hampers there will be collection boxes in each teaching unit or the Front Office.