TChee's Christmas Twessage

I was asked to post this on my blog for people who did not manage to see it at the time. At 3 PM on Christmas Day, I addressed the nation via Twitter - a Christmas "Twessage" (ahem) as it were.  The hashtag was #tcheesXmasTwessage and it was spread over fifteen tweets. I have compacted it here for ease of reading.

Good afternoon everyone. Christmas is a time when, regardless of faith, we can celebrate together. Often, that is purely a celebration of being with people who are important to us. For some, that may be family for others, it is friends who provide the stability & comfort that is traditionally associated with family.

The modern world has changed relationships in every aspect of our lives, from those we are born into to those we choose. Today, I am sharing Christmas, not only with my closest loved ones, but also with people on social networks such as Twitter, who I have come to regard as friends & of whom I am very fond. I know I am very fortunate. There is a saying I often use: “You are never alone with Twitter” & it is true. There are however, many people who are not so lucky.

There are people who are alone, for whatever reason, who need help and support all year round, not just at Christmas. There are soldiers, in foreign countries, people in developing nations and even in our own country, who for a variety of reasons do not have the care and support they need.

The measure of any society is how they treat the least among them. The poor, the unfortunate and the misunderstood. As we enter the year 2010, when there will be division, argument and elections, it is important for us all to remember that the basic principles of human kindness, the things that unite us, not only as a nation, but as a species are far more important than the things that divide us.

With that, my husband @CllrTim & I, would like to wish you all, a very merry Christmas & a happy & healthy 2010.