In the quiet, early hours just two days before Christmas, a Newcastle father finds himself awake, watching his teenage children sleep. This simple, profound moment sparks a heartfelt reflection on the journey of parenthood, shared with the community through the Newcastle Herald's letters page on December 24, 2025.
The Unparalleled Honour of Watching Them Grow
Charlie Crispin of New Lambton Heights describes a scene familiar to many parents: his 18-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter are asleep in the lounge, seeking the cool relief of air-conditioning. Observing them now, he is filled with a deep sense of pride for the people they have become, despite the typical sibling squabbles along the way.
His mind travels back to the first anxious night he brought his son home, kept awake by the terrifying thought that the infant might simply stop breathing. The contrast with today is stark; that same son now awaits an email that could grant him a university place. "Being a parent is the most fantastic thing anyone can do," Crispin writes, acknowledging its challenges while emphasising its profound, lasting value over more instantly gratifying pursuits.
His advice to prospective parents is simple and powerful: give your time, be honest, and teach children how to think rather than what to think. He stresses that wealth isn't a prerequisite for providing rich experiences or imparting core values like the importance of effort and respect for all people. "What an absolute honour it is to be a parent," he concludes, capturing a sentiment that resonates deeply during the festive season.
A Community's Christmas Wishes and Worries
The letters page serves as a barometer of community sentiment, and this Christmas Eve edition reveals a mix of personal hope and broader societal concerns. John Cooper of Charlestown presents a poignant wishlist that speaks to contemporary anxieties: safety, clarity for children, job prospects, housing affordability, and manageable living costs. He notes these were once assumptions, not Christmas requests, before wishing readers a merry Christmas.
Lighter notes come from Steve Barnett of Fingal Bay, who humorously questions Santa's traditional portly physique, advocating for a "skinny Santa" for easier chimney navigation. Meanwhile, Peter Sansom of Kahibah, reflecting on recent tragic events at Bondi, appeals for unity, recalling words about the shared belief in one God among major faiths and questioning the prevalence of hatred.
Debating Responsibility and Rights After Tragedy
The shadow of recent national events looms over several contributions, sparking debate about blame, protest rights, and government response. Denise Lindus Trummel of Newcastle urges against politicising tragedy, pointing out that former Prime Ministers like John Howard, Tony Abbott, and Scott Morrison were not held personally responsible for past national crises. She calls for unity, arguing that the perpetrators' aim is to divide.
Conversely, Phill Broom of Cardiff expresses sorrow but places some responsibility on governments for "tolerating hate," contrasting swift action against a deported Nazi with perceived inaction against other forms of extremism. Agner Sorensen of Teralba adds legal context, explaining that court rulings upholding the right to protest have limited government action, a point often overlooked in public debate.
Darryl Stevenson of Coal Point raises a powerful comparison, highlighting selective mourning and the historical lack of justice for the gay community, referencing 88 unsolved murders in Sydney and ongoing discrimination. This letter challenges the community to examine whose suffering receives attention and action.
Finally, Michael Hinchey of New Lambton critiques what he sees as political opportunism in the wake of tragedy, suggesting some critics are using the event to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel under the guise of social cohesion.
Together, these letters from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie suburbs paint a vivid picture of a community in reflection—celebrating the personal joys of family, yearning for stability, and grappling with complex national issues as the year draws to a close.
