Christmas is the most special time of year.
A time for making merry, of course, and seeing friends. But more that anything, Christmas is about family.
One of the privileges of being a mother is watching my children grow up and it happens so quickly! So this Christmas I’m excited to spend lots of quality time with them.
This time of year also makes me think about loved ones who are no longer with us, like my dad. I remember so many Christmases as a child and that’s why I am building a tradition of Christmas with my children. Something which I hope they will one day share with theirs.
They love presents and Father Christmas, but I teach them that Christmas is also about the birth of Christ. I grew up in a methodist family. My husband and children are Catholic and we’re keen to instil in the children the values that Christmas teaches, like giving being more important than receiving. Like the importance of sacrifice and service. So to all of you working over Christmas, I want to say a huge thank you for keeping the country going.
Life can be amazing. It can also be bumpy. Christmas is a chance to reflect on the year that’s been. Be grateful for the good things. Mourn what we have lost. And look forward to what we are going to do in the coming year.
With that in mind, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me during my first year as Leader of the Opposition. It’s been the biggest challenge of my life, but it’s also been a wonderful year. can’t wait to get back to work next year to create a better United Kingdom.
But in the meantime, I wish you a very very Merry Christmas
