i Deputy Editor's Letter: Sparing a thought for others without it so good

Relaxing with a turkey sandwich on the sofa, wearing your Christmas socks while leafing through that new book from Santa, it is easy to remain in your own little bubble and forget everything beyond your four walls. But this year, more than most, spare a thought for those who haven’t had it so good these past few days.

Normally on Boxing Day you can hear me singing the praises of those who find themselves at work during the festive period – the Doctors, nurses, midwives and other emergency services personnel for whom it’s “just another day at the office”. This year to that list you can add everyone affected by the recent storms swirling around Britain - including rescue workers and those working to restore services to the 50,000 homes without power yesterday.

But it’s not only people in affected areas who have suffered. Travel problems have kept families apart, leaving lonely grandparents stranded at the opposite end of the country to loved ones, and young children separated from doting relatives.

We should be thankful that the loss of life has not been worse, but with more than 100 flood warnings still in place and further bad weather expected to hit by the end of the week, it has been a Christmas to forget for many.

By all means celebrate Boxing Day, but before you nestle back into the armchair in the corner of the room, lift the phone and check on your neighbours – young and old – to see if they could benefit from some company. After all, you’ve probably had enough turkey already, and that book can wait.

i@independent.co.uk

Twitter.com: @jonesrhodri