Goodwill to all this Christmas time at Eureka!

And with all the talk of Black Friday sales and big brands launching multi-million pound advertising campaigns (H&M wins this year, for the record), it’s easy to get wrapped up in buying pressies, cards, tags and, well, wrapping.

At Eureka! Nursery, one of our favourite things about Christmas is summed up in three festive words: “Goodwill to all”. We try to look beyond sending wishlists of toys to Santa, desperately seeking out this year’s “must-have toy” and panic-buying a dress for the work party, and actually stopping to think about what we can do to make the season more enjoyable for everyone, no matter what their situation or background.

There are many people who feel isolated and lonely, and whilst we’re busy putting up trees and testing fairy lights it’s easy to overlook how challenging and painful the festive season can be for others.

The elderly are particularly at risk, both physically and emotionally, so what can we do to support them? Our tip - start by looking on your own doorstep.

This is something that we try to encourage in the children here at Eureka! Nursery from a young age by involving them in local community projects and activities, especially at this time of year. We’re particularly proud of our ongoing relationship with Trinity Fold Care Home.

Our nursery children visit Trinity Fold twice a week to sing songs, play games and talk with the residents.

This helps the children develop their emerging social and communication skills but, beyond that, shows them how easy it is to make a difference to someone else’s life.

The Trinity Fold residents look forward to our visits and our children get excited to visit their friends every week and are learning how good it feels to support their local community – win, win.

You don’t have to commit to visiting a local care home twice a week to make a difference.

This year, rather than just posting a card through your elderly neighbour’s door why not knock and wish them a “Merry Christmas” face-to-face as well.

It might be the start of a relationship that is equally rewarding for you both.

Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees are running a campaign called “No one should have no one at Christmas” which you can donate to by visiting www.localgiving.org/ageukckchristmasappeal

Or how about giving some of your time as a gift this Christmas?

Again, Age UK have got lots of opportunities, and all you need to do is just get in touch with them.

At Eureka! Nursery we’re really happy that our friends from Trinity Fold will be joining us for a slap-up festive dinner with all the trimmings and we’ll take the opportunity to wish them all a very Merry Christmas.

And we’d really like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas too!