Like many things in life, Christmas

has at least two realities

    On the one hand, the event is commonly celebrated as a time of joy, hope and goodwill. It is a wonderful image of Christmas that must always be nurtured by society, It celebrates the birth of Christ and the hope for humanity embodied in His teaching.

    Sadly there is another reality. The Christmas tradition of families and friends coming together to enjoy each others company is an ideal that falls far short than what some can be achieved.

      For a growing number in our mass consumption society, Christmas is a time when the joy of a loving relationship contrast most shapely with the loneness and pain of damaged relationships. In extreme cases, the Christmas season generates sadness and despair rather than joy and hope.

     The work of two Maltese in Perth, Charles Portelli and Father Gatt cater for the opposite sides of the Christmas coin.

      Charles Portelli loves the lights and magic of Christmas. He is part of a growing band of people around Australia who are turning the tradition of decorating ones home for Christmas into an art form.

     Four years ago, the retired baker, took on the hobby of making model figures of nativity characters. It was his hobby in Malta for twelve years before migrating to Australia. Charles would wake as early as 4.30 am to work in his backyard shed, making scenes and backdrop more colourful and elaborate.

      Charles had his nativity scene or presepju, for all to see in his garage. Many neighbours, and others from neighbouring suburbs, visited Charles home just prior to Christmas with their small children to view the presepju.

      Now Charles has gone one step further. His whole house been covered with small lights, giving his house a fairy tale appearance. The visitors to his house has increased, at times creating traffic congestion in his street. But Charles does not mind. Rather he delights in the joy it gives to the small children as they marvel, wide eyed, at the celebration of lights that adorn his home. He is encouraged by the interest shown in his work and is committed to take his decorations to a higher level next year.

     Fr Gatt is found on the other end of the spectrum. His 35 years as a Priest has made him well aware of Christmas' other side. Twelve years ago. he commenced a 24 hour, seven day‑a‑week service helpline for suicidal, lonely or despairing people.

     The service, now known locally as the Gattline, has grown over the years. Fr. Gatt now heads a team of volunteers that includes social workers, doctors and lawyers. Where callers need personal attention, volunteers make home visits or call other services as required.        

     Fr. Gatt said the biggest number of callers involve people who were lonely because of a family break‑up. But an increasing number of people were becoming distressed by financial problems through poverty or overextending their credit.

    The number of calls to the Gattline increased from over 60 last year to 80 this year. One person called the Gattline from Canada. The lady who felt suicidal decided to email Fr Gatt when she learnt of his helpline on his website. Fr. Gatt feels the helpline saved her life.

     Fr. Gatt believes there is a great need for his helpline because most of the government welfare agencies that people call upon in times of need are closed for Christmas.

People helped by the helpline often call back to show their appreciation by offering food or donations for others in need, Fr. Gatt said.

     Those interested in learning more about Fr. Gatt's service can visit his website

www.osbornepark.perthcatholic.org.au