Nicole Seah Instagram – The WP East Coast team including @fooseckguan.sg and myself conducted our Christmas walkabout across the various markets this weekend, delivering 1000 Christmas cookies to the residents of East Coast GRC. This year, we supported a home baker Yummy Story (@yummytory2022 on Instagram) who customised cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree with icing to mimic trimmings and decorations. It was encouraging to feel the warmth and appreciation from residents, many of whom we are now meeting on a repeated basis as the various markets have become familiar ground over the years of outreach. Personally as I reflect on 2022 and the major life changes I’m going through with baby N and juggling raising two young kids alongside professional and political demands, Christmas this year feels a tad quieter and with much less fanfare. It’s also given me pause to appreciate the people in my life who have been a source of strength and support along the way, as well as those whom our paths have crossed or converged. And perhaps that is the spirit of Christmas, for us to take stock of life as it were and our impact on the people in our lives. When we think about the season of gifting, perhaps it is less about chasing the harried purchasing of physical gifts that we bear, and more of the immaterial such as time, thoughtfulness and kindness that leave an indelible trace in hearts and minds. Such gifts are much harder to procure, and require more effort to consistently deliver. I wish everyone happiness and contentment for the coming year, and the now ubiquitous wish that may you also enjoy good physical and mental health always.