Arriving home on Wednesday evening the post was laying on my doormat as usual.

Sifting through the bills, advertising literature and other unwanted correspondence I was pleased to discover the first Christmas card of the year.

Naturally your humble servant opened the envelope and read the festive greeting from a friend.

At least I haven't been forgotten indeed the card gave me reassurance that someone out there values and remembers me at Christmas time.

Being lonely at this time of year is a dreadful feeling, sadly it's one that in previous years I have known all too well.

For some Christmas is all about receiving gifts and adding to ones material possessions however that's not what the time of year is supposed to be about.

In my opinion the greatest gift of all is friendship. It can't be bought but everyone can offer however very few choose to.

No doubt this year many will sit down to a hearty meal on Christmas day with friends sitting at the table beside them. However others will be alone with a meagre portion on their plate to pacify their rampant hunger.

Only the other day yours truly was thinking about all the help, care and attention lavished on the tramps, vagrants, drunks and other unfortunates who stagger around the town centre clasping a bottle of beer in their hand.

But what about the hard working citizens who for not fault of their own are spending a lonely Christmas on their own?

Just because someone has a roof over their head it does not mean they are rich, indeed my good self proves that.

Maybe it's time something was done to bring together those spending Christmas on their own or at least do something to ensure they are not lonely at this joyful time of year?

Receiving that Christmas card the other day cheered me up no end so just think what would happen if a little love and attention was given to the deserving in the community?

Maybe you know someone who will be spending Christmas alone this year and perhaps you could nip round and visit them to raise their spirits?

Who knows maybe someone will come and visit me this year to keep me company? Perhaps there will be knock on my historic front door and a neighbour or friend will be standing there to greet me.

If that happened I would most certainly invite them in to join me for a quick game of pocket billiards in my games room.

Christmas is not about presents and greed it's about spreading happiness, love, friendship and smiles.

What do you think?

*Don't forget to read my regular column in this Friday's edition of the printed version of the Bucks Free Press!