"If I hadn't been here. I would have stayed in bed and just cried"

From a room full of loneliness to a home full of happiness. Thank God for CFL."

Just two comments from people who spent Christmas Day at Crag House Farm, the home of Caring For Life. Had they not spent the day with us, they would have been utterly alone, and a sense of loneliness can be acutely heightened at Christmas.

The run up to Christmas Day had been somewhat manic! One hundred gifts and food parcels were distributed by the Floating Support team, all dressed up in their daft Christmas hats! The gifts and parcels had been purchased and beautifully wrapped by members of a number of churches, with special attention paid to what each gentleman or lady would like as a present. For quite a large number of those supported by this team, these gifts were the only presents they would receive at Christmas.

As always, there were also crises to deal with. Some became homeless just before the Christmas period and needed urgent help. Some were hospitalised and needed visiting. Others were offered a flat and needed help moving in, even if it was Christmas Eve!

During the week before Christmas, the whole CFL family sat down to a massive Christmas meal, which was very much enjoyed by all. It was a welcome break from all the busy times that led up to Christmas itself.

Christmas Eve was the occasion for the renowned CFL Christmas party, when everyone can take part in a “concert”!! The party was as wonderful as ever, with a few serious “pieces” intermingled with sheer madness. There were songs sung, sketches performed, an incredible “Morris!!” dancing item by Tim, David, Martyn and Michael from CMP and a true rendering of a “redneck” song by Martyn, (from West Virginia) and Jonathan. We honestly did laugh till we cried.

The Christmas Day meal was lovingly planned and prepared by one of our trustees and volunteers, Pat, who spent a week in Leeds, preparing for the big event. Turkey crowns had been donated, and Pat prepared an amazing array of desserts for both of CFL’s supported homes, as well as for the Centre celebrations on Christmas Day. Other ladies came along to help with catering on Christmas day.

Christmas Day dawned, a beautiful morning with sunshine and a light covering of snow. Steve and his team set out in cars to pick up people from all over Leeds, people who would otherwise be alone, with little to celebrate. They were all brought to the centre at Crag House Farm (the lovely new extended centre with beautiful new loos and showers!) and gifts were distributed to all, including the very kind volunteers who were spending the day with us.

An incredible meal was enjoyed by everyone and the gathering then settled down to games and competitions. It is a far from easy thing for people who do not all know each other well, to spend a day together, at a time when emotions can run very high. We thank God for a peaceful, happy atmosphere and another very special opportunity to share the love of Christ at Christmas.