Is It Just Me…
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. Sort of. But, for the first time in … maybe ever, for a lot of people, it’s not going to feel like Christmas.
Oh sure, it’s going to look like a White Christmas for those who love Walking in a Winter Wonderland but a few of our other senses might lack a little.
We have hosted the big dinner for a number of years and for a number of people. Usually, we see anywhere from 16 to 20, including as many as seven of the regulars from four different cities, from three different countries. Oh, the aroma of a real tree, and the tasty fare emitting from the kitchen.
Naturally and understandably, not this year. No one will be coming Home for the Holidays . . . either too risky or they don’t want the inconvenience of having to self-isolate pre and post travelling. We will instead be sending gifts or gift cards or e-transferring Christmas cash to those who can’t join us. Maybe next year will be different. Let’s hope.
We won’t Deck the Halls as much as we have in the past. In fact, we have decided to forgo the yuletide tradition of a tree. There will be no big fat Christmas turkey with all the fixings for just three people. We will be just as happy with a chicken and some of the fixings. Afterward, we’ll likely grab a cup of cheer and cozy up in front of the television and watch what is still a tradition, A Christmas Carol (with Alastair Sim of course). Although I have both, I prefer the black and white. I’m not sure, but it might even be more poignant this year.
Gee, two years ago I remember lamenting All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth, I had them fixed this year.
Do You Hear What I Hear? Santa Clause is Coming to Town, or not? Will he be in the malls? Will you? Will Santa and his helpers wear a mask? Will you? It will certainly be unusual social distancing with Santa. I wonder, will you/we spend more time thinking about giving rather than receiving? Maybe planning on giving a little less but more thoughtful? Giving of your time or maybe giving a little money to a charity such as the Christmas Cheer Board is a great idea. My friend Kai Madsen over there on St. James Street would welcome your donation. No more food hampers or toys this year. Instead they will be sending out food vouchers to those who really need them. You know they are Important, they’ve been around since the last pandemic.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not the Grinch. I do like Christmas, after all, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. It’ll just be different. And so, just like rats and cockroaches, we adapt to our environment. We won’t be Rocking Around the Christmas Tree or doing the Jingle Bell Rock in our home but, we will have the seasonal tunes on for a while each day and maybe even more so to keep the spirit alive. It will be less merry with fewer members of the family around but thankfully we have Skype, FaceTime and Zoom to connect with the ones we love in a virtual way. It’s not the best way, but for a lot of us, it’s the only way.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.