Everyone celebrates this time of year differently as well. Some spend time with their families, others with friends. Some people look forward to getting presents and others look forward to the sales on Boxing Day. Some go on holidays while others enjoy sitting in front of the telly watching the cricket.
For the vendors at the Big Issue this is no different.
“For me my family is everything, I always hope to get back home so I can celebrate it with everyone,” explained one vendor.
For some vendors it is not such a great time of year though. With all the festivities around them they can often feel isolated. “It doesn’t mean much to me anymore; it may have, had things worked out differently. When I was younger it was a great time. I do enjoy seeing kids’ excitement at this time of year.”
Other vendors, however, still hold that childlike excitement. “Christmas is about Santa Claus. I still go and sit on his lap every year. I don’t get the photo anymore though.”
The Big Issue itself celebrates with an eagerly anticipated Christmas party lunch for all the vendors and WSE workers. This year brings with it another celebration with the milestone of our 500th edition. This celebration looks set to continue in 2016 as we move into our 20th year of helping people help themselves.
Whatever Christmas means to you, in whatever way you celebrate this time of year, we hope that you remain happy and safe. Thank you very much for your ongoing support of the Big Issue and all the vendors. From all of us here at the Big Issue, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
