Mark Murphy: Noddy Holder's message is a bit off this year

If only that were true.

Will it be a Merry Christmas for Everybody?

For a lot of people, it’s anything but a fun time of the year, I'm afraid.

With conflict in Gaza and Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis affecting so many people here this Christmas, it’s hardly a happy time.

Many parents are trying hard to make it special for their children despite not having two pennies to rub together. But it can still be a season of goodwill.

Take the BBC Radio Suffolk and Suffolk Libraries Be Kind to a Kid this Christmas toy appeal.

The kindness of people has seen thousands of toys donated to children who otherwise wouldn’t have much, or, in some cases, nothing at all.

That’s the true spirit of Christmas.

Mark wishes all our readers a merry Christmas (Image: Imajim Photography)

Being kind or spending time with someone doesn’t have to cost anything but a little of your time.

December can be a tough time for those who are on their own, especially those who’ve recently lost a loved one and feelings seem to be heightened at this time of the year.

It’s tough not be with someone you love but they wouldn’t want you to miserable, they’d want you to remember the good times you shared together.

So, if that’s you, why not raise a glass and toast the memories you shared together.

I miss my parents and I always remember the sacrifices they made to make my Christmas as wonderful as it could be.

Taking on extra jobs and going without to shield me from how poor we really were.

I’ll certainly be toasting them both on Christmas Day and this year with a glass of Babycham, minus the brandy mum had in hers!

If you know someone who may be on their own then why not give them a call or pop round. Maybe even invite them round at some point over Christmas. It’ll make their day.

I do think we’ve lost some of that compassion that seemed to be more common when I was growing up.

We’re all so busy these days, flying around here and there.

As a child I came from a large family and lived on a council estate.

People seemed to look out for each other more then, in and out of each other’s homes especially at this time of the year.

Doors were never locked, and people would be popping in to say hello and have a festive tipple.

Many of us will have given to one of our foodbanks in the last few weeks to make sure families have some decent food on the big day.

Charities like Find in Ipswich and Gatehouse in Bury St Edmunds do fantastic work but sadly hunger is not just for Christmas.

The need is all year round, especially in January when I know foodbanks need donations most.

Maybe in the spirit of goodwill to all men you could reach out to your local foodbank and help those who, through no fault of their own, are finding things tough.

I long for a day when we have no need for foodbanks, but I suspect that could be a long way off.

With potentially colder weather on the way you may want to consider supporting the Suffolk Community Foundation's Surviving Winter appeal.

More households are in fuel poverty this year compared to last and so, if you can help, please think about it. There but for the grace of God go us.

If you believe in prayer, then there’s plenty to ask for, peace in Gaza and Ukraine, or an end to hunger and famine.

I, for one, will be praying for a more understanding society, one where we look out for each other, look for what we have in common and not as some would have us do, things that divide us.

May I wish you peace, health and happiness this festive season.