FESTIVE TALES
BECAUSE IT’S
Chrıstmas… Some of us embrace tradition during the festive season, while others do things a little differently. We asked a few people to share their stories…
SERVING AWAY FROM HOME
‘I was in Afghanistan with The Navy,’ says Christopher Moore ‘These days I celebrate Christmas with my two young children – I’m a single father, so the day is all about them. Yet in 2006 and 2007 I spent it very differently, working with colleagues in Afghanistan. I’m a reservist with The Navy, and I work as a Mine Warfare Officer, surveying international shipping lanes to make sure there are no sea mines. ‘It certainly was a very different Christmas – not really festive at all, as the job of supporting the troops never stops. But on Christmas evening we did manage a special meal, and senior officers gave out presents that had been donated from home. This included about 50 from the Asda store in Wigan where my mum worked – and receiving the gifts meant a lot to everyone. ‘It was an experience I’lI never forget. In 2006, I was based at the international headquarters with French, American, Canadian, Dutch and Portuguese workers who
Clockwise from far left: Santa visits the troops in Afghanistan; unwrapping presents from home; enjoying Christmas dinner
celebrate ‘I’m glad I spent all Christmas that Christmas differently – but course we away – it’s made of were all missing me realise what our families. it’s like for people ‘This year, be focusing far from home’ I’ll on making it as happy as possible for my kids. But I’m glad I spent those Christmases differently – and it’s helped me to understand what it’s like for people who are so far from home every year.’
Community spirit i i ‘Christmas 2014 was one of the big moments of my life,’ says Michelle Frost ‘I’m one of the Asda Community Life Champions, and last Christmas Day a group of us brought the festivities to a church hall full of 70 people who would otherwise be alone or homeless. The town’s mayor came, we had a three-course lunch and there were board games and bingo. The feedback has been fantastic – and we’re expecting to repeat the success this year.’
DECEMBER 2015 | 9