A happy Christmas!

Rawalpindi: A very happy Christmas to our readers who are celebrating today! May you have a time full of peace and happiness with your loved ones whether they are family or friends. To add to our enjoyment and feeling of goodwill, there is a festive atmosphere prevailing all over the country because of the two consecutive days marking the celebration of two revered persons for people around the world, Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and Jesus Christ. 

Let us hope that tolerance and understanding are the hallmark of the occasion as well as in our daily lives. It is a time when we have an opportunity to go beyond grand political gestures and empty words and adopt a realistic attitude with unassuming acts of kindness and love that originate from better feelings towards our fellowmen. 

And while celebrating, spare a thought for the many people for whom Christmas is a time of sorrow -- they are saddened when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons, but it can also be a time of healing and renewed strength. The significance of the day is to be found in reflection on the stories, songs and carols that have personified the events that happened long ago. Remember also the homeless person on the street, the family that has barely enough to eat or the unemployed - they too deserve a break and your kind gesture will not only make them happy but give you a sense of satisfaction as well.   So, once again -- have a great time this holiday season and grab every chance to put a smile on the face of those who cross your path - the true spirit of the season is in the coming together of friends and families and in enjoying the spirit of giving and receiving with no strings attached!