Seasons greetings to you all. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration in spite of all odds. I know a lot of restrictions where put in place as precautionary measures to allow for our safety. For us, we could not attend Christmas Eve service in person. It had to be done online. It was usually fun to see everyone dressed up in their really lovely Christmas attires, usually a touch of red. I particularly missed the part where everyone would hold out a lighted candle while the whole congregation sang Silent night. I can only describe that moment as celestial.
Typically, few days before Christmas, it is our usual practice to take the children to see Santa Claus. They are both under five years old, so they still believe in Santa Claus. The pomp and pageantry that usually characterizes that trip is like no other. Pretty dresses adorned, red ribbons delicately placed, ties flawlessly knotted, impeccably white socks, shoes sparkling, steps leading to see precious Santa. This year, we had to add face masks to our outfits.
The children usually curious to find out if they made the good-kids list, as well as to pour out their petitions to Santa on the gift their heart desires. However, this year is different. I believe Santa had to change his strategy this year for the sake of every child in the world. He had to look in his repertoire of wit and creativity. With assured steps and joyful glee, the kids danced their way to Santa’s chambers at the shopping mall. We noticed that Santa was socially distant maintaining at least six feet. That was not all. Santa had a face mask on!
I could see the dejected looks on the faces of the children, but they understood. They know that it is the year 2020 and that there is a bad virus called Corona virus that has messed things up a lot. Fortunately, Santa told them they made the good kids list and where reassured of their favorite gifts. Call it Silver linings.
I know this year 2020 has been a year like no other. It is the year of the Pandemic. We have experienced a lot of dimensions to this pandemic. A lot has happened. A lot of tears have been shed. A lot of blood has been shed all around the world this year. A lot of pain have been endured across the globe this year. I am not sure any dolorimeter has been designed to cater to the immense measure of pain 2020 has spewn on earth. Many have lost their sources of livelihood. Many have lost their homes. Many have lost their dignity. Many have gone hungry. Many have lost their marriages. Many have lost their lives. It is almost too much. However, you made it up to this point! There is still hope. There is covid vaccine now available which is also reported to be quite effective. The vaccine has been described as “A ray of Hope”. Some call it “A shot of Hope”. Wait for and wait on this hope. We know that hope is that ability to chose to see light despite all the darkness.
Wipe your tears and brace up for a new tomorrow. However, we will never forget the year Santa wore face mask in a hurry. We have to believe that in the nearest future, Santa will look happy again and that smile will not be obstructed by any coverings.
Season’s greetings.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” —Albert Einstein