There is something wonderful about Christmas, in spite of all the shopping and preparations, something we can’t quite put our finger on, which makes us look forward to it each year.  This very fact also makes it a difficult time for many who experience loss or loneliness or who are struggling at this time of year.   There’s a magic to familiar things, especially when seen through the eyes of children:  lights shining from winter windows; hark the herald angels sing in supermarket foyers; icy fingers, mulled wine, and mince pies; chocolate advent calendars counting down to Christmas morning, “can I have my chocolate for breakfast, mum? Can I, Can I?”; the ripping of wrapping paper and eyes lit up with excitement.   I remember when our eldest child was about 6 or 7 years old.  He took the Jesus figure from the nativity at his grandma’s house, to show her what he had found , “Look Gran, baby Jesus!”   to which came the reply,   “Very good, now put ...