It’s official; Christmas is on its way.

The American holiday of Thanksgiving has passed and retailers - many here in the Cayman Islands - have had their Black Friday sales offering cut rate deals on some of the most sought-after, must have items for this Christmas season.

As of today Christmas is only 29 days away, so if you missed the Black Friday sales, you’d better get busy.

But the Observer on Sunday hopes that this Christmas season won’t be all about the agonising search for the perfect gift. Don’t get us wrong, we do want you to support our merchants in the Cayman Islands.

It goes beyond that.

It is our hope that as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, cleaning, parties and church services that we use this season as a time to reflect and be a little more gentle with our friends, families and neighbours.

There was a time after Hurricane Ivan so severely damaged Grand Cayman in September 2004 that we readily looked for ways to help out those in need.

That Christmas was especially sweet for those of us who had survived that awful storm. And while some folk had lost their homes and other possessions, they still showed an attitude of gratitude.

It seems lately that’s what we’re missing in the Cayman Islands, an overall attitude of gratitude.

There has been so much grumbling, mumbling and complaining about all manner of things lately.

It is the wish of the Observer on Sunday that we take this time of year to stop and count to 10 before we make that snide comment, slow down if we realise we’re tailgating that vehicle in front of us, show courtesy to others and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.

Even if you are not a Christian you can show that attitude of gratitude and love this season to your fellow man.