Sinfo_12_2014

Once again the year is drawing to an end and we are looking forward to a festive

December. It’s a time of year when the city comes alive amidst the glow of the

twinkling Christmas lights and decorated buildings. Streets are lined with festive gift

and food stalls, luring visitors to feast their eyes on the many attractive products,

warm up with a shot of medica (honey liqueur) or a glass of mulled wine, or treat

themselves to a cone of roasted chestnuts. There’s cinnamon, chocolate and vanilla in

the air, and here and there we hear the year’s end clinking of champagne glasses and

the rustling of wrapping paper. From the kitchen wafts the scent of Christmas potica,

while the church bells ring out on Christmas Eve to invite worshipers to Midnight

Mass. But although our December celebrations may be somewhat ritualistic, each

December is unique in its own way. And this is largely thanks to the atmosphere of

homeliness and mutual understanding.


December is not only the month of overfilled bags: it is also traditionally the month

when we dedicate some extra time to taking a look at ourselves and examining what

we have done for our fellow human beings. Gift-giving may be extended to include

less material offerings – of our time, a smile, a hug, a simple handshake or, indeed,

concrete assistance.


As we become aware of the true essence of Christmas, we trigger this magnificent

urge of goodness.


Since we at Sinfo believe in the importance of charity, this issue presents two

humanitarian organisations – Caritas Slovenia and the Slovenian Red Cross – which

made a significant contribution to relief efforts in the face of the natural disasters that

hit Slovenia this year. Fire-fighters and soldiers, too, in rescuing people from

collapsed and flooded houses, have had a particularly busy year and set a fine

example in helping others. And let’s not forget our – if you’ll excuse the pun – openhearted

blood donors. In Slovenia, this is still one of the most common forms of

showing solidarity. We also present Slovenian missionary Pedro Pablo Opeka, whose

humanitarian life in Africa offers a lesson in respect for the dignity of each human

being. And there are other feature articles to read and enjoy.


All of us at Sinfo extend our best wishes to our readers for a festive holiday season

and a happy New Year. May the holiday spirit find a home in your heart and the

forthcoming year bless you with opportunities to serve humanity. In doing so, you

will again embrace the Christmas magic, whatever the time of year!