Jenny Gilruth MSP’s column in the Glenrothes Gazette and East Fife Mail – 30/11/20 – 4/12/20
Published date : 04 Dec 2020
Christmas 2020 is going to be like none any of us have ever experienced before.
I know that for some, contact with friends and family will be crucial over the Christmas period to help with isolation and loneliness. The Scottish Government’s “bubble” approach aims to reduce this impact.
The ability for up to three households to meet indoors for a few days over Christmas poses many questions for families, not least who to bubble with or whether doing things digitally or outdoors might be safer for our loved ones.
No matter what you decide to do, our children and young people can be assured that Santa is an essential worker – he’ll be making Covid safe deliveries once we’re all asleep.
With just over three weeks to go, a special team of elves at Royal Mail are helping to deliver letters sent to Santa. Children can get their Christmas wish-list together and send it to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The last day to send letters to Reindeerland is 11 December. (Remember Santa will need a full name and address to reply.)
With social distancing in place at Santa’s workshop, it’s reportedly been taking longer than usual to make all of the toys so Christmas lists might need to be a little shorter this year.
And with Covid-19 taking its toll on many families’ finances, Santa will also need help from all of us to ensure every child has a parcel to open this Christmas.
One way we can help is by supporting our local charities who have been doing so much in our communities this year.
That’s why I’m supporing the Auchmuty and Dovecot Tenants’ & Residents’ Association’s Christmas Appeal. ADTRA have helped hundreds of parents to keep Christmas special for their children in recent years through donations of toys, clothing, selection boxes and vouchers.
Fife Gingerbread support lone parents and families throughout Fife, and their ‘Heat & Eat’ campaign will directly benefit families in need this Christmas by providing support such as funds to top up electric meters, food, essential items and small gifts. Please donate to ADTRA or Fife Gingerbread if you can.
Another way we can help is to shop locally. Great gift ideas can be found at many of our local retailers such as Glass by Kathryn, Chandlers Attic in Kinglassie, Loved By Bridget in Leven, and Jane’s at Nineteen in Lundin Links.
Many small retailers have been turning to the internet for the first time this year, so there is a chance to show support for local businesses when shopping online, too.
Throughout this epidemic, our local communities have shown a heartwarming togetherness. Acts of kindness will be so important in getting through the winter. We’re all in this together, so please continue to offer help to your friends and neighbours, and don’t forget to ask for support if you need it. As ever, my office remains open (remotely) and you can contact me for assistance on 01592 764815 or via email at Jenny.Gilruth.MSP@parliament.scot.
ENDS
Local Reporters
