This year has been so eventful and gone so fast, that it seems hard to believe that Christmas will be here at the end of the week.  With much happening this year, it’s almost easy to forget this will be the first normal Christmas without major Covid concerns in three years.

I’m not going to pretend that it has been a good year,  it hasn’t. It’s been a tough three years.  The hangover from Covid and its fallout continues to weigh heavily, with sizable NHS waiting lists for treatments being notable.  Russia abandoning any pretence of being a civilised state with its relentless atrocities against Ukraine has spiked global inflation, with everyone impacted by it.  The loss of our beloved Queen filled us with sadness and a great sense of loss.  We had the economic turmoil caused by the short tenure of Liz Truss as PM and trade unions causing further economic damage and disruption through strikes.

I don’t want to give a gloomy message for Christmas, so I’m pleased to say that there are signs for optimism for 2023.  Of significance is that most economists believe inflation has peaked and is on a downward trajectory, although the quicker it can get to the Bank of England target of 2% the better.  This will be absolutely key to stabilising living standards and to resuming the long-term improving trend.

This Christmas will be a time to leave behind those bad events of 2022 and to relax and unwind.  While people celebrate Christmas in different ways, we shouldn’t forget the true meaning celebrating the birth of Jesus, nor be afraid to say it.  I find it cringeworthy if anyone says “seasons greetings” or “happy holidays” as if somehow one is seeking not to offend anyone who isn’t Christian.  I’ve yet to meet anyone of any other faith who finds Christmas offensive, and I find that people of other faiths in the UK tend to celebrate the western non-religious parts of Christmas that those of us of no faith do.  However you may celebrate Christmas, may it be filled with peace and happiness.    

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

21st December 2022