CHRISTMAS IS COMING, THE GOOSE IS GETTING FAT!

What a wonderful time of year Christmas is; full of joy, wonder and anticipation. There isn’t another time of the year where the build up to one event is so big, with preparations these days starting as early as August!

The main title above suggests that for a long time, part of the joy of Christmas has been the anticipation and preparations. 

Christmas means so many things to so many people, and even the very origins of Christmas can be seen as a combination of Christian and Pagan festivals - the birth of Christ and the Winter Solstice.

In celebration of this time of year, calendars and schedules are often full with so many social and celebratory occasions going on, and this year Beverley’s social calendar is no exception. There are plenty of events going on throughout December with something for everyone.

With concerts across many of the town’s churches; theatre performances at East Riding Theatre, the Parkway Charity Christmas Concert and their Panto this year ‘Sleeping Beauty’, not to mention the Christmas Tree Festival in Beverley Minster between 5th and 8th of the month there’s lots to keep us entertained.

If you’re feeling hungry after all those events, there are plenty of seasonal menus for you to choose from too - The Beverley Arms, The Tiger Inn, The King’s Head, Chamas and Mirage, too many to mention - we’re spoilt for choice!

If you are out and about in the dark, whether on foot or on your bike, make sure you stay safe and bright. There’s plenty of advice and equipment on offer at Wilson Wheels - perhaps even for a stocking filler?

If it’s Christmas gifts you’re after, then Beverley is certainly the place to be with plenty of ideas and types of gift available from Jewellery at Guest and Philips to inspiring works of art from Trent and Salt Galleries, and everything in between.

Flick through the magazine for more inspiration - for the Globe Trotter there’s One World Travel; for the fitness fanatic see Anytime Fitness; for those looking to move and feel better see Inches and for that DIY fan? Take a look at all the great deals on offer from MKM Building Supplies!

Please put a penny in the old man’s hat...

Christmas is a season of altruism, generosity and goodwill. We are all part of the larger community of Beverley with plenty of groups, organisations, families and friends all working together and helping each other.

There are many examples is this issue - Jacob’s Well Shoebox Appeal, The Beverley Chamber of Trade party raising money for the Cherry Tree Centre, and a £500 donation by BRBN to the East Yorkshire Food Bank.

From charity shop volunteers to those visiting lonely members of the community, there are so many examples of kindness and compassion, it restores faith after such a tumultuous year.

Our ‘motto’ this year has been ‘small changes, big impact’, and Christmas time is no exception.

If you haven’t got a penny an ha’penny will do and if you haven’t got an ha’penny then God Bless You.

We can all make sense of this final section, but cheer, goodwill to all, and cosy evenings spent in good company don’t cost much. Regardless of how or why you celebrate Christmas this year, have a wonderful time!