I’m fortunate that when I was homeless at Christmas it was in Australia when the weather was warm and more comfortable sleeping outdoors than in a flat that lacked air conditioning as I did when I was more settled. It wasn’t always like that. I have camped outback in inclement weather, without a tent to shelter me, and rolled into the ashes of my campfire while attempting to keep warm, but I haven’t had to do it in the UK and hope I never will!

During most of my time I was in Australia I never realised I was homeless, as a bachelor living in temporary accommodation seemed quite normal. I was the proverbial rolling stone who gathered no boss, but it’s not normal for a young family forced into temporary accommodation because of circumstances beyond their control. It may be job loss, relationship breakdown or whatever, we need help (I say “we” because I still identify with homeless people even though I’m no longer homeless myself). In my case it was alcoholism, which I haven’t entirely overcome although it’s not the problem that it was once was.

I’m one of the fortunate ones who will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payment. I’ve already donated £50 to help elderly people who need it more than I do and £25 to buy a Christmas present for a mother and child fleeing domestic violence. Links below if you want to donate 👇The important point is that it’s not what you have but what you give to others that counts. By the time you read this my mother will have passed away at the age of 96, we were estranged for several years and failed to be reconciled in time 🙁

My inbox is full at this time of year with requests for donations from various charities, some of which I’m already donating to regularly. I’m getting quite used to it but I can only do so much and try my best to encourage others to spare what they can afford to those in greater need. Some people might say giving and expecting nothing in return is the spirit of Christianity, I call it socialism in action.

From each according to their ability. To each account to their need.

The last Sunday of this year is the my 76th birthday. It’s also the anniversary of the massacre of Lakota people at Wounded Knee by ‘soldiers’ of the US 7th Cavalry. I’ve written about this before and have fortunately found the article so I don’t have to start from scratch with limited time. It would’ve been worth doing, but I have so many other things to do and I’ve earned a break 😀

Let us celebrate socialism every day, not just on Sunday ✊

I’ve donated to buy a Christmas gift for a mother and child fleeing domestic violence https://donate.refuge.org.uk/page/159618/donate/1?locale=en-GB

Removing barriers to support and galvanising more people to play their part in ending hunger together. https://www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-research/news/our-refreshed-brand

Help older people stay independent and live well with dignity, choice and control. https://www.independentage.org/donate