Sir, – It would appear that St Stephen’s Day, as we know it, is to be cancelled. In recent years some major shops and shopping centres decided that they would open on St Stephen’s Day. While last year there was some discussion and debate on the issue, this year it is a done deed. December 26th is just another day with business as usual.
Stephen’s Day was a unique day in Ireland. For the vast majority of people it was a genuine day off with no agenda other than relaxation! No time to get up, no dinner to cook, just the luxury of doing nothing. It was a precious time for families and friends to take time out to be together.
This year it will be back to getting up early, getting the children organised, into the car and off to the shops to spend money we are not supposed to have! Even if you choose to stay at home the overall atmosphere of the day will be permanently changed for everyone.
Is it not time to stand back and look at the bigger picture? You cannot put a value on quality time and in the current economic climate we should not lose sight of what is precious to us. – Yours, etc,