Writing to winter: December 24th

Dear Winter,

It's Christmas Eve Winter, and I woke feeling really unchristmassy. I guess that's my own fault; being up for swimming at 5am then working straight through till 5pm in a place that isn't all that Christmassy. So to sort out my appauling attitude towards Christmas I found a CD player, a very Christmassy CD and made some mince pies and tiffin. But even taking all of those things people seemed to refuse that it's nearly Christmas until my shift ended. 

I came home to sort out the last bits and bobs: helped prepare the veg for Christmas dinner; tidied up a little bit and wrapped up the remaining presents. By that point I was sorted, my Christmas spirit was lit and I was exhausted, ready for bed! So that was my Christmas Eve, what did you do winter? 

Keep smiling,

Kathryn x

Writing to Winter: December 23rd

Dear Winter,

For me, any day in which I don't help others is a day wasted. I guess in some ways I thrive of helping others because I don't ever want anyone to be left struggling. But I also love the way that you can learn from others and help them to learn from themselves. 

During the Christmas period my burning desire to help others is strengthened. There are some people living in  appauling conditions meaning that they won't be able to completely enjoy Christmas this year. Whether it be down to a family crisis, illness, poverty or anything else, Christmas should be a happy and joyful time! So when I was told that over the Christmas period volunteers weren't expected to volunteer at the hospital I was a little saddened. I had a few chats with my boss and managed to change my days to suit the bank holidays that we have so went in today. 

At the hospital, it isn't suddenly any less busy just because it's Christmas, in fact, quite the contrary happens; the chaos is amplified. Being back there reminds me of my Christmas hospital fun a couple of years ago! But being able to help, to ease the load on others is just what I love doing. I'm going to keep being myself and help others right through the holidays Winter, and I hope you will do the same.

Keep smiling,

Kathryn x