It may be the 'season to be jolly,' but that may not be for several people around the world this year. Not to dampen anyone's festive cheer, but it's hard to celebrate when there's a lot of hurting and sadness.

Christmas trees and decorations are up in almost every supermarket and office and yet I don’t feel festive. I’ve not even been keen on the numerous offers and discounts on products. I’m no Mother Theresa but I don’t feel it’s appropriate to splurge when so many in the world are having a hard time.

Not that I even have loads of cash to spend, but you get what I mean. I wonder if anyone else feels the same way. I think over the years, my enthusiasm over Christmas has waned. There was a time I also looked forward to this time of year.

Many still do. Those are the ones who still feel it’s important to buy new clothes or shoes and put aside a decent amount for all the festivities. There’s nothing wrong with that if it’s what you want. For me, though, the magic is gone. I have not received or sent a Christmas card this year. I’m sure I will send out messages wishing friends and family a great time but that’s about it. I also don’t have a tree and I might skip the Christmas Service because I don’t want to be ‘judged’.

Like the common joke goes, all the people who don’t attend church all year long wait for Christmas to show off their colourful outfits; and God help you if you don’t turn up in something new.

They may not say it out loud but their looks of disapproval will convey their thoughts and I usually interpret that as "Don’t you know it’s Christmas?” So I’ll just stay home. By the way, many of my colleagues are also not bothered. I think only our boss is taking time off. A couple of years ago, there would be "fights” as several people wanted to take their leave in December so they could travel or catch up with family.

This year, hardly any one made a fuss. No one seems eager for a break that usually "forces” people to spend, which is what happens when you spend so much time at home, especially when long-lost relatives decide to visit.

Costs are high for those intending to travel too, especially if you’re going upcountry or out of the country.

Speaking of which, we mostly used to worry about hiked fares and road accidents as drivers tend to speed in an attempt to pick up as many passengers as they can. There’re also likely to be many drunk drivers on the road and that usually doesn’t end well. Now though, there’s the added threat of terrorism. Those in Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria and Libya will undoubtedly be worried. Worshipers have also been targeted before and it’s just heartbreaking what our world has come to.

I was thinking about the parents and relatives of those 132 children brutally killed by the Pakistan Taliban mid week. December will always be a sad time for them. There’s also West Africa, still grappling with Ebola. Over 6,800 dead and still counting, it is going to be tough. So while I wish you all a Merry Christmas, spare a thought for those who won’t be able to celebrate for whatever reason.