HOLIDAY 2020 by SHERRY HALL
Hope for the Holidays
The holidays will look different this year . There have been loved ones lost to Covid- 19 . There are people still recovering from it ’ s devastating effects . I do not want to make light of the tragic effects of the pandemic . One death is too many and for many of us Covid-19 has a face . Many families will gather this year without one or more of their own because of this awful virus . I wanted to emphasize this point first because no amount of struggle we face this year can compare to the loss of a loved one .
So , what else will be different this year ? We will likely not see all our relatives . Some of them will not be comfortable getting on a plane . Others who are in long term care or those with predisposing conditions may not be able to gather . Some of us will wake up with a common cold and stay at home rather than take a chance on passing along this dreadful virus . A few of us may be quarantined because of a positive Covid test . None of that sounds very , merry . In this sense the holidays will change .
So how do we navigate the holidays in this unique year we find ourselves in ? I think the answer must lie in remembering why we celebrate . We must look deep into our souls and meditate on what Christmas means to each of us . Maybe this year we could slow down and think about why we do what we do .
Wouldn ’ t it be wonderful if no
one cared if the tree were crooked or if someone changed an old family recipe ? Imagine the peace we would have if we threw out the old play book for the perfect holiday meal and instead had a real celebration ? The focus would move away from what we are missing and onto what we have . This is that special place where gratitude opens the human heart . In this sense the holidays could look very different for us , but in a positive way .
We must all decide how we will approach the holidays during these strange times . There are decisions to make about wearing masks , social distancing , and where to put the hand sanitizer . We will have to consider the vulnerable in our family units and decide how to keep them safe . Those are important considerations , but as we try to sanitize Christmas let us not forget the good tidings , comfort , and joy that are just as important . The key is going to be perception .
Let ’ s decide to experience Christmas in our hearts this year . Let the kids decorate the tree even if it ’ s ugly . Don ’ t stress about the turkey . Pray for those who are suffering and lend a hand to help those in need . Read The Christmas Story and don ’ t let it be just words on a page . Hear the sounds , smell the smells , see the sights . 2020 has been challenging for us all . Let ’ s end the year with a holiday season we look back on as the year we decided what a true celebration should be ! May we let the true meaning of Christmas comfort and sustain us .
48 SOUTHERN HOLIDAY LIFE 2020