Christmas is just around the corner, and it never fails to bring a sense of warmth, which we all need since the monsoon season is also here. It's carries with it a fuzzy glow from soft lighting of the department store, and heat transmitted from 50 watt light bulbs.

True, there are indeed things worth celebrating, like the birth of the Lord Jesus, the gift of salvation, the joy of kinship and friendship, and a go at life itself.

But in the midst of all this, far away, or maybe not so far away, orphans have to scavenge for food, women are sold into prostitution, old folks left uncared for. The excesses of parts of our society only emphasises the poverty of others. It's scary because I know the part I play. It's easy to talk, easy to point the finger, but perhaps the most guilty would also be me, simply because I don't do anything, even when I know I should.

What sort of Christmas will this be?