We’re officially in the Christmas home stretch.

This time next week will be Christmas Day; a time for families and friends to gather.

It will be a day to put to an end the madness that’s likely to ensue this week as people run about looking for that last-minute gift.

Christmas seems to get more materialistic and crazy each year as stores stock Christmas items earlier and earlier in the hope that we will leave our Christmas cash in the coffers of our local shops.

As you go about the hustle and bustle that will be the norm in this coming week, please remember those who are less fortunate.

If you are asked to donate a toy for a toy drive, pick out a new item and give that gift. You will be making Christmas day brighter for a little boy or girl.

And don’t forget the teenagers. Their lives also need to be made bright on Christmas Day.

Please, also, remember the elderly in our midst. They don’t need a lot in the way of Christmas presents, but a visit from you on Christmas Day would certainly make them happy.

Because ours is such a transient society there will surely be people in your midst who will face Christmas Day alone because their families are overseas. Put a spare chair at the dinner table and invite them to share in your Christmas fare - show them what a true Caymanian Christmas experience is like.

The Observer on Sunday will not publish a newspaper on Christmas Day.

We believe the day should be devoted to family, friends and remembering the reason for the season.

There will be an Observer on Sunday published on New Year’s Day, but the offices will be closed on Monday, 2 January.

It is our hope that the coming week isn’t too stressful on you as you complete your chores to get ready for Christmas Day and all the promises it holds.

For those who will spend part of your time revving up for revelry, we ask that you don’t get behind the wheel of a motorised vehicle if you have been drinking adult beverages. We’ve already had one fatality this season linked to drink driving. We don’t need another.

We also hope that you and your loved ones are blessed this Christmas season. The management and staff at the Observer on Sunday wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas.