Those Christmas Day memories as a child are some to remember well. When we were much younger we always exploded with excitement and joy as Father Christmas prepared for his long journey on behalf of all the children around the world.
But one specific aspect I remember about Christmas Day was the order of opening the all important presents. Now although this may not be the same for every family we most likely assumed as youngsters that the largest presents were essentially the best (and they were to a degree), but for this article I think we should follow by the old saying: ‘Big things come in small packages’.
This Christmas, while we are all visiting family and friends, relaxing and having fun, millions of small but above all precious treasures will be sent to children around the world. Children who are in need of help, children who are struggling, children who deserve a future.
Operation Christmas Child, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, is on a mission. To send the Christmas joy that we so dearly take for granted to these children.
How?
With a simple shoebox thriving with gifts.
Now some unnecessary stereotypes may feel that as young people and teenagers we will be more interested in the latest phones or Ipods for Christmas rather than the joy of other children who are perhaps not as fortunate as us.
But ‘The Billericay School’ punched above its weight and set the standards for aspiring young people. Something which we can all be truly proud of.
Everyone in the school, students and staff alike, got involved in their form tutor groups, including the sixth formers, with the help of Kieran Hynes, Aaron Griffiths and Gavin Paoletti. And as the weeks went by in November, the pill of shoe boxes, full of toys, educational supplies and hygiene items, got larger and better in the conference room, much to the delight of Mrs Smears.
So as a result, a massive thank you goes out to everyone who managed to make a fantastic 300 shoe boxes for children who deserve a little bit of festive cheer this year.
This means that we smashed our previous effort of 145 shoeboxes last year and all because of a bit of hard work and thought for others, well done everyone. You are all a great credit to the school.
Also, I think we should all remember what a simple gesture can do. It only costs £2.50 to deliver one of these shoeboxes to a child at Christmas. So when you take into consideration the privileges we will expect at Christmas it is not much to ask at all. So please just visit the Operation Christmas Child website: www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk for more information and any help you can give.
In conclusion, I think that the significance of Christmas is an embodiment of unity in the face of hardships. So whether we be children of Africa, children of Europe or even children of Billericay, we are all children of this earth and therefore should all, at this time of year, come together in understanding and appreciation.
Because we have certainly shown that this year without a doubt.
By Alexander Tyldesley
