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WHAT an amazing week this has been.

The greater Grassy Park area was a hub of festivity, from parties for seniors and foster children to underprivileged kids. It was a heartwarming experience to see so many people opening their hearts, homes and pockets to those who otherwise might not have had the privilege of enjoying a Christmas party.

It made me realise that despite the negative headlines we often read on lamp posts, there are people who are generous and caring.

However, the sad reality of this is that these occasions are often limited to the festive season alone.

It should be an ongoing thing that happens more than once a year.

I know there are people who continue their work throughout the year, but more people should do the same in order to make the work that much lighter and so give more underprivileged people the pleasure of such generosity.

The Christmas spirit should not start at the end of the year and end at the beginning of the new year; it should continue throughout the year.

Even I have to admit that for the past few years the Christmas spirit would only arrive on the night before Christmas for me.

When I was a child I was in love with everything about Christmas ? partly because my birthday is on Christmas Day.

The build-up to the day, which included the festive trimmings, colourful Christmas lights and having the honour to decorate the Christmas tree, added to my excitement.

As I grew older and Christmas became more commercial than spiritual, that excitement started to peter out. No longer did I feel that warm fuzzy feeling in my tummy every time I hear a Christmas carol or see Father Christmas sitting in some shopping mall.

Instead, the rushing around to buy gifts, holiday clothes and the rest seemed to override the festive mood.

But seeing the warmth in the community of greater Grassy Park over the last few weeks really re-ignited that feeling ? particularly the Christmas in Fairways I attended on Thursday evening.

It was awesome. Despite the chilly, windy weather, the atmosphere was warm, festive and welcoming.

And even the trouble with my skirt in the wind was not enough to restrict me from enjoying the evening.

Now I can honestly say I am looking forward to Christmas ? not only for the food, gifts and new clothes, but for the time I would be spending with friends and family.

Last year I challenged readers to invite an underprivileged person for Christmas lunch.

I am not sure how many of you did, but I am hoping that this year all of you will open your homes, hearts and fridge.

Come on, Grassy Park, let's put the spirit back into Christmas.

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