One minute you’re wondering how the bloody Roosters could have won the grand final with a one-armed half-back; the next you’re humming along to Little Drummer Boy in aisle two at Woolies without giving it a second thought.

And then, as you’re settling down for your Sunday morning breakfast, you spot the calendar on the wall – November 25.

Surely not. It can’t be just a month until Christmas.

And forget all that nonsense about where the year has gone, the real concern now is how can we get everything done that needs to be done before December 25?

What is it about Christmas that it has such a knack of creeping up on us every year?

Sure, we get plenty of hints – the tinsel in the shopping centre should be enough – but that last month still seems to be a whirlwind of parties, presents and people. People everywhere.

At least, that’s the case for the luckiest among us.

For most, Christmas is the happiest time of the year, a time for family, friends and – most importantly – children.

But that’s not the case for everyone.

Shockingly, Christmas evening is one of the busiest shifts of the year for telephone counsellors at Lifeline Central West – and they all know it’s coming.

While most homes are ringing with laughter, too many in our community are lonely and alone.

At the same time, Christmas is a nightmare for families who are already doing it tough.

No parent can bear the thought of their child missing out, so too many spend up big on presents they can’t afford just to have something under the tree.

But we can help. We’re fortunate in our community to have no shortage of groups wanting to provide a better Christmas for all. The Smith Family. The Salvo’s … the list goes on.

We can help them help others. But we have just a month to do it.

All the best, Murray