Christmas has come and gone and whether you celebrated a religious or the winter festival, I suspect that it involved lights and presents. As a child Christmas was so exciting that I could hardly sleep but that seems a lifetime ago and as I have aged my expectations and Christmas experiences have changed.

One of the many ways in which my Christmases have changed is in giving back. For several years I have been involved in providing Christmas lunch and entertainment for people who would be on their own or are unable to attend/prepare/afford a Christmas dinner.

With a New Year and a fresh start, I wonder if you are thinking about 'giving back' by using your personal gifts – your skills, your time. There are so many small ways in which you can do this and at Caterham Volunteer Centre we can help you.

You can go online at www.do-it.org and see what volunteering opportunities match your skills, interests and available time.

You can email caterhamvc@ wanadaoo.co.uk or call 01883 344444. I strongly believe that between us we can find a way to use your personal gifts by giving back in whatever way you can.

The crazy hat in the photo was given to me as a humorous 'thank you' and I'm sure that finding new ways to use your skills could give you as many smiles and as much fun as the hat gives me!