The easy viewpoint would be to simply say that it has been a shit year and, for many people it really has been a terrible time.

For myself I can't, in all honesty, say that it has been all that bad. Yes, I've moved - to a better place. No - my health hasn't been perfect, but it's still way better than that experienced by others. Yes, I've had problems with an employer, whose attitude is only surpassed by their inability to communicate clearly and in a timely manner. Yes, we've had the pandemic, which is pretty scary without the added complication of having breathing difficulties.

The irony for me at this time of the year are the foolish thoughts of being ridiculously wealthy - like being one of the 1% level of rich.

Do I want all that money to myself? Hell no! I know there's more to life than money could possibly buy. I have a conscience and, much as it can be a real pain in the butt at times, I wouldn't be without it. I like to be able to sleep at night knowing that I have my needs satisfied, and it hasn't cost anyone their health, their happiness, their jobs, or their peace of mind.

Maybe I'm one of a very few lucky people who realises how basic a requirement it is, and yet what a phenomenally difficult thing it is to achieve, to have your needs catered for. It started when I gave up drinking, though at the time I wouldn't have said I was on any kind of special journey. Then I gave up smoking and gradually changed my perspective to realise that much of what is commonly described as "needs", are really "wants".

Now, all I care about are the needs. I need a job. I need a home. I need food. I need healthcare. These four basic things are only missing the company of one last item. A partner whose ideas and ideals match my own.

These I am lucky enough to have, and I am content.

So, why do I want to be mega-, stupidly-, beyond-all-reason kind of rich?

To be able to provide the opportunity for others to find a similar level of contentment simply by being able to cater to their four basic needs. Sadly, I'm not a matchmaker and so finding the right partner would remain the responsibility of the individual.

With the chances of me attaining that I-could-never-spend-all-that-money level of wealth being about the same as world peace being declared, I have to settle for my good fortune in my contended lifestyle.

Is it just a pipe-dream? As far as my being wealthy goes, yes, and it's not one I really want fulfilled in the sense that I hope that the provision of the four principles - employment, home, food and healtcare - all come to be available to everyone irrespective of who they are.

May all those who read this find their contentment in whatever manner best suits them, and may this festive season bring a little brightness into your lives.

My best, and most fervent, good wishes for your health, wealth and happiness, whoever and wherever you are.