During the run up to Christmas 2020 many folks were not able to meet up in person. Communities didn’t gather face to face. Travel was limited. Celebrations and family gatherings went online or on the doorstep. As Santa zoomed around the world with his sleigh full of presents, many people zoomed on their computers to keep connected to family and friends. I wonder whether this was a cause for folks to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas or whether many just drowned their sorrows of in a bottle of *Glenlivet? *Other whiskeys are available.
It troubles me that the poor are still hungry, the homeless are still without shelter and more people than I feel comfortable thinking about are lonely or homeless, and feel excluded from either secular or religious expressions of Christmas. This year in particular, the situation in Ukraine has led to the biggest mass migration of people since World War Two. For many the run up to Christmas will be a very poignant time.
So, as Wham’s 1984 hit Last Christmas plays incessantly on the radio, I’m thinking about how I will be spending this Christmas. I’ll be hoping to see family and friends of course. I’ll be looking for authenticity and relevance in expressions of Christmas. And I’ll be thankful that I have life and health and strength, a roof over my head and a choice over how I celebrate. And I’ll be mindful of those who have very little to celebrate. Those who had a really tough year. But most of all, I hope that I will maintain a connection with messages of light in the darkness and hope for the future.
Main photo credit: Tessa Rampersad via Unsplash
Leave a Reply