We see the Christmas spirit is alive and well with stories, such as the students from New England Girls’ School who are participating in the It’s In the Bag campaign to donate sanitary items to homeless women this Christmas.

It will not be the last we read of people and groups in our community who are doing their bit for others during the festive season.

In the media we are often contacted by groups, such as schools, service clubs and sporting clubs, about what they are doing for the community in the lead up to Christmas.

The Armidale Uniting Church is another example. This year plans are underway for its Community Christmas Lunch, which is an annual event.

Many businesses and residents support the lunch, donating food and money.

The Christmas Day lunch was attended by 350 people last year, and this year is the 25th year the lunch will be held.

Such contributions are important as they make our city a community, as well as provide help to people at a time of year that is difficult for many.

But it’s at this time that it is vital we come together as a community, which brings us back to the what happened in the mall on Friday evening.

Events that bring people together are what makes a community great.

As well as organising the event where the lights lit up in the mall on Friday evening, Armidale Regional Council also staged a lighting of a Christmas tree at Guyra.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall visited Guyra to light the tree before the community relaxed under the stars and enjoyed a Christmas movie on the big screen.

“It was wonderful to see the community come together and to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, particularly the young people” Mr Marshall said.

“I hope it’s the first of what will become a popular event in Guyra in the years to come.”

Our Christmas trees stand as a beacon of light for both residents and visitors to admire, and represents what Christmas is all about in the first place.

But more importantly, as the state member commented, they brought people together.