Playtimes HK Magazine Winter Issue 2020 | Page 86

last word

A 2020 Hong Kong Christmas

Words : Louise Drake Illustration courtesy of www . thelionrockpress . com
' Twas the night before Christmas , when all through the house , Not a creature was stirring , not even a mouse . The stockings were hung on the bedposts with care , ( no hope of finding a chimney in there ) The children were nestled all snug in their beds , While visions of Jaffa Cakes danced in their heads . No visit to Santa at P . P . this year , But at least little Johnny didn ’ t cower in fear , Perched on the knee of this strange old man , So mum could get a photo for Instagram .
This year Santa was virtual , like most things have been Everyone ’ s spending their time on a screen ; “ Put that gadget down , you ’ re on it too much ,” Then , “ You ’ re late for zoom class !”, and the such . Bit of a contradiction , don ’ t you find ? Please won ’ t you make up your blooming mind !
After a long day of shopping , the family was shattered , But the kids seemed happy , and that ’ s all that mattered . Mama had finished a bottle of red and Dad had taken himself off to bed , When out on the street there arose such a clatter , I sprang from the mattress to see what was the matter .
Away to the window I flew like a flash , Peeped through the bamboo scaffolding just a dash . Had those darned protesters returned again ? Or was it the result of another black rain ? When , what to my wondering eyes should appear , But a miniature sleigh , and eight tiny reindeer . It can ’ t be real ; I ’ m not a believer , Perhaps I ’ m coming down with a fever .
It ’ s this blasted virus that ’ s got us all in a dither Oh COVID-19 please won ’ t you go hither . I want Christmas to be like those of old But that ’ s not safe , or so we ’ re told . To be able to visit their family dear , Is everyone ’ s wish and that much is clear , But make the best of it we will , With virtual hugs and good cheer until We can travel to visit friends far away And have a traditional , face-to-face Christmas Day .
84 www . playtimes . com . hk