So it is that time of year again. IT IS CHRISTMAS. It is time for holidays, time for relaxation, time for shopping and time for reflexion. Oh and it is time for philanthropy. That is, ladies and gents, my problem. Every year at this particular time of year, we remember those in need. We buy some food for the homeless, give away the clothes we haven't used for donkeys' years since we got fatter after being stuffed with the Thanksgiving turkey. We may give money to a few charities.

My big question is 'why.' Why do we do it only during Xmas? Why do we think of those in need only during this time of year? How many of us give to charities throughout the year? I bet that most of us, simply forget those who need our help. We're going about our daily routines and often pathetic lives only to be reminded towards the end of the year that there is pain and suffering in the world. Perhaps we remember to give something because we have the need to feel good about ourselves. Maybe we have the need to feel less guilty for the over-spending and commercialisation of Xmas.

I do not know about you, but I actually get very sad, almost depressed, during Xmas. I am actually disgusted by what I see around me. All of a sudden the TV news reports pain and suffering of individuals who are completely forgotten during the rest of the year. What is that all about? If you ask me, it is simple hypocrisy. News channels only do it because they have to. It is a story afterall. This is what the masses expect. Do people want to see these stories because in comparison, their lives seem better? Perhaps this is what it is. Seeing the suffering around us during the Xmas holidays allows us to give thanks we are not in the shoes of those less fortunate - if they have shoes at all.

Have you ever watched the English sit-com 'The Eastenders'? Anyway, the program revolves around the everyday lives and struggles of working class people. Everything looks sooooo grim. I bet that is why it is so successful. People who watch it feel better about themselves for not being in the show's characters' shoes. Too bad the actors get paid a lot more than most of the viewers.

Perhaps this is the reason people try to do something nice during Xmas. Of course it is better than nothing. Better to do it once a year than not at all. Better to remember that a child dies every second in Africa during Xmas than not to acknowledge that at all. However, wouldn't it be nice if we were to remember them throughout the year? If we gave $10 a month to a charity of our choice? Trust me, it does not take much to set something like that up. You only do it once by setting up a direct debit and is actually easier than you may think.

So, instead of getting these ultra-expensive Xmas outdoor lights which make your house look like a Faking circus, keep the money and set up a DD for a charity. In that way you will remember those in need throughout the year and I bet that it will make you feel even happier. You can then all go and get extra stuffed from the Xmas turkey and alcohol.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Antigone and Pericles.