Dear Relative and/or Friend,

If you’ve not previously viewed my Christmas letters, welcome and be careful - you are on “hyper-ground” (smile). Do read and look around without “breaking the furniture” (lol). An unusual Christmas theme this – the complexity of science and belief:- the reality of the vastness of the universe, of an apparent innocuous earth, and of a belief that God entered humanity by becoming a helpless baby. True, the contention is often much more apparent in arguments about what is done in the name of religion than of the nature of faith itself. Still, the debate is often eschewed more by those thinking both science and humankind would be better off without either religion or faith. Of course, these would have nothing against the likes of Mother Teresa – except she might have tried harder to “get a life!”

Science apart, faith requires integrity between what we now know and what we do as people of faith. Put simply by the still to-be great Jesuit, Bernard Lonergan (in his book, “Insight: Understanding What Is Understanding”), it is so much easier bringing one’s thinking in line with one’s own preferred behaviour than one’s behaviour in line with one’s thinking.

So, in relation to the meaning of Christmas, is it a matter of what Christmas can mean for me, or what Christmas should mean to me? Though one is never too sure about which side of the heretic line was is crossing, I figure that Christians use Christmas to cyclically reaffirm the celebration of our ongoing life in which God lives among us in the person Jesus Christ and in name of God. Additionally we cyclically celebrate this affirmation as we exchange Christmas greetings. Hence, my recurring theme: that it would hardly seem like Christmas if I didn’t get in touch and wish each other this greeting.

That said (even the bit about Father Lonergan), for some I will be again late with this Christmas letter. Though tempted to say how sorry I am (“things have been so hectic…), you have heard that before. So slated by my guilty pangs (and jealousy of those of you with the knack of posting out cards upto six weeks ago), it is perhaps better to concede that the authentic Christmas greeting is best expressed at the start of Advent (4 Sundays before Christmas Day).

And so, notwithstanding your receiving this (or reading) letter probably well after Christmas Day, do be assured that our greetings and warm wishes were no less heartfelt. Undoubtedly the desire to do everything “on time” is culturally suspect anyway – but not so that certain cultural propensity in me to share and remain in touch not just with my more recent “neighbours” but with our longstanding friends and loved ones in Jamaica and of the Jamaican “Diaspora”. So before Barbara ( my down to earth “other –half”) has her say, bear in mind that communication with me for many is ongoing via the Internet, emails, letters, phone calls, and just occasionally the “unroyal” mail. A word to the wise is…

I am now largely a “kept-man” seeking, and so among other things, I inject a bit of my free time and effort within the black/Caribbean communities. The developmental of the Jamaican Diaspora UK (http://www.basilhylton.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Jdu.htm ) is quite a challenge, and for my sins I have been drawn back into the organisation of cricket clubs - a much under-estimated developmental area of Caribbean life here in the UK. The Alpha Boys’ Association charity could do with more of my time, hands and your donations (see http://www.alphaboysschool.co.uk/donate.htm ); but I am grateful for the support given by Donna, Giant and Marcia Thwaites there in Jamaica. Do take care... as I leave you with yet another of Lonergan’s quotes, "Be attentive, be intelligent, be responsible, be loving, and, if necessary, change." In other words, walk good!

(Basil)

It’s been a difficult and at times frustrating and disappointing year for numerous reasons both at home and at work. Increasingly I have to keep more than an eye on my frail 91-year old mother who lives in a residential home but despite very decreasing mobility, etc, is still fiercely independent and yet quite demanding. The degree of strain is considerable on the back in doing all the lifting and pushing her around in her wheelchair. Also my job entailing getting into awkward positions to treat patients is an ongoing hazard.

However, things have moved on – namely eldest son moving house, youngest leaving home after 9 months home from university as he now lives and teaches in Swansea, Wales. Hopefully, we will see them all over the Christmas holidays. Joseph and Des have continued doing amateur boxing but mainly text me AFTER they’ve fought.

Basil got away to Jamaica in June this year (attending the Jamaican Diaspora Conference and launching his local charity, “Aiding 3-D Youths” (where 3Ds = disadvantaged, disaffected and disabled). Missed having a real holiday this year but planning, as I write, to get away next year to recharge my batteries more emotionally than physically. Memories this year: an overnight stay with Sara and Mike in Surrey, Hilda’s in Lancashire; the Brown’s in Bristol and with the Zipfels in London. Also, Sue Morgan (USA) visited us and so did Sr Mary Andrew and the members of the Stella Maris Steel Band. It was nice meeting new and “old” friends, catching up on where we last left off. And so, despite a rather painful steroid injection into my hip as a result of severe discomfort, this girl still gets around – and hearing more people speaking Polish, my first language, is music to my ear.

So I count myself as being extremely lucky to have so many caring, kind and compassionate friends who spread their own brand of sunshine, happiness and optimism and so infect us all. I hope you all continue to have opportunities to make, nurture or reconnect with “real” people who know how to give and take, and above all share their caring and thus helping others. God bless.

(Barbara)