I received an email from our Bank:

Hello Pierre,

One of the nicest things about Christmas is that it brings all the things that are really important in life into focus, like spending quality time with family and friends.

It also highlights the fact that these - the very simplest and best of things in life - are free. Based on this realisation, our last issue of the year is aimed at getting back to basics with some nifty ideas of how to get the most out of Christmas 2005.

Hopefully this will give you more time to focus on what really counts, as you look forward to winding down the year and settle down to enjoy a well deserved break. On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the incredible interest and enthusiasm you've shown for Elements since it launched in March this year.

With your help, we look forward to going from strength to strength in 2006.

Have a wonderful Christmas and an excellent New Year!

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Thank you for the email...

do understand, however, that this IS indeed a time to focus on what is important:

The REAL meaning of Christmas - The Birth of our Lord... the incarnation of Christ.
It is a time for Giving -- not only to your loved ones, but also... and especially to the poor.

It is a time for forgiveness, love, joy and Peace...

It is NOT a time for greed etc...

So, I wish you His peace... His Love, and His Mercy... I wish you the TRUE blessings of the Season: The Blessings of Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Pierre.

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1. Christmas with a conscience

Why not make a donation on someone's behalf to a worthy charity and present them with the details of the people/person/animal that will benefit from this worthy gift? Charities to consider include the SPCA, Meals on Wheels, The Avril Elizabeth Home, and The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund or visit www.charities.org.za for a more comprehensive list.

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