CoppaFeel! founder Kris feels conflicted over Christmas consumerism and why people make themselves poor to gift others

CHRISTMAS is such a weird time of year. I feel conflicted over consumerism and why people make themselves poor to gift people things they don’t need.

I know I sound like the Grinch, but I’m OK with that. I just wish people could see the simple joy of this time of year.

That just being in the company of people you love is good for the soul.

I’m all for making people feel special and showing appreciation but that can be done in so many different ways.

Food is my favourite example. I don’t think there’s much better than sharing tasty meals with your favourite people.

I find myself thinking how lucky I am just to be able to eat.

Perhaps it’s the cancer that’s caused this confliction, that I can see what others can’t.

That I can see the wonders of simplicity, how a walk on the beach, a swim in the sea (yes, that is happening again), a warm meal, a lie-in and time with people you don’t get to see all the time is enough.

Maybe you CAN see this. In which case you might like to share the love with people who can’t afford a warm meal this Christmas.

In a time where our country seems divided and confused, the best thing we can all do is to be kind.

Charities such as Centrepoint and Crisis ensure the disadvantaged get the chance to have a nice, and crucially, warm Christmas.

If you can, please donate. It’s important to also remember that right now not everyone is getting hyped for the big day – this is actually one of the hardest times of year for some.

Right now some people with cancer are very sick in hospital or in hospices facing the reality that this is more than likely their last Christmas.

There are older people who will be spending these days very alone. There are some for whom this time is anxiety-inducing.

Maybe you know someone who could use a quick phone call.

I will personally take great joy from simply being alive to see my nephew gurgle/cry/maybe smile/fall asleep in my arms during this festive time.

I will be glad to get immersed in freezing cold waters with friends followed by a hot alcoholic drink and I will be glad to be closer to a new year full of possibilities, or more of the same.

My hope is that you can enjoy this time in the same way . . . maybe with less baby vomit.

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