Comment: Time to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones

2024 has been a busy year - we had three elections (Locals, Europeans and the General) not to mention a busy calendar of annual events from community festivals to football leagues and everything in between.

Inevitably, many families will have lost loved ones during the year who they will be missing this Christmas and we think of them at this difficult time.

As we hurtle towards the end of 2024, it’s time to take a breath - pause, reflect and celebrate the successes of 2024, look forward to what 2025 will bring and enjoy the break with family. Afterall, that’s what Christmas should be about - FAMILY. Not the presents under the tree or the party nights or the noise and the lights but family and friends.

And who knows which of them may not be around the table this time next year to celebrate the festive season. Cherish them in the here and now.

When you do get a chance to go out with family and friends this Christmas and New Year, make plans to get there and home safely.

If you are planning on having a drink, leave the car at home, appoint a designated driver or sort a taxi out before you go out.

Apart from that, take care on the roads, leave plenty of time for your journeys, particularly if it’s going to be frosty. Watch your speed, belt up and don’t use your mobile while driving. If you are going out for a walk, put on a high viz and bring a torch. These are all basic things but, as we go about our busy lives, we can forget them. They are simple things we can do routinely to keep ourselves and the ones we love safe on the roads at Christmas and all year around.

The Garda Christmas Road Safety Campaign is well underway but, sadly, there have already been a number of fatalities on our roads. The 21-year-old woman in Limerick, the victim of a fatal hit and run, comes to mind. The mother of a three-week old baby was killed in Christmas week by a hit and run driver. It’s heartbreaking for her family and friends and her innocent little baby. Marguerita Sheridan is just one of 169 people who have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads this year. We think of all their families this Christmas.

Christmas is one of the busy periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a road traffic collision.

An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.

As each year passes, life seems to get a little busier and time passes every more quickly by.

This Christmas, do yourself a favour: Step off the merry-go-round of life and take some time for you. Enjoy some quality time with your loved ones and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Before you know it, you will be back on the hamster wheel and rolling at speed through 2025.

Happy Christmas to all our readers and advertisers and thanks for your support in 2024 and always.