Let's ensure nobody is overlooked

Extended families, some of whom only get to share a table at such special times, will be opening presents, pulling crackers and having fun.

Spare a thought, then, this Christmas for those for home the family gathering cannot be complete.

Sadly, there will be more than a few for whom this will be the case. But we remember in particular two households.

Joyce Wells' mystifying disappearance was headline news for a couple of weeks at the height of the police search.

As the Observer closed for press for its last edition before Boxing Day there had still been no progress in that hunt, despite what Joyce's daughters gratefully accept has been a diligent and comprehensive police operation.

Heartbreak always seems to take on an added dimension at Christmas, a time when everyone else is preoccupied by having fun.

For a much-loved mother and grandmother to have died at such a time would be difficult enough for any family to bear.

Not to know what has become of Joyce must be an even greater burden.

Our hearts go out to a family which has borne its troubles with a calm and dignified public face, whatever the private grief.

Joyce Wells' unexplained disappearance stands as a metaphor for many family problems across the community: ill health, strained relationships, struggling personal or business finances and, increasingly, the risk of being jobless.

We think also of staff at Woolworths, not just our own Devonshire Road store but branches across the country, who face a difficult job search in 2009.

There will be mothers and young families at St Jude's Refuge, homeless at Christmas because of domestic violence; sick folk in hospital beds, pensioners without families eating Christmas dinner on their own.

Amid what, for all that Credit Crunch and recession could do, has inevitably been another hectic, head-long rush towards the festive season it would be easy to forget that for every happy family gathering there is someone in a less happy position.

With its usual magnanimity, Bexhill has again responded to appeals such as the one conducted every year by the Caring Community in a bid to ensure that nobody is overlooked.

But, inevitably, there will be a few.

In wishing all its readers a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas, the Observer would also add the hope that they will glance next door to see if a neighbour needs a thoughtful gesture.

It could make all the difference.

Happy Christmas.