
2020's been a year for the books, no one can argue that. We faced obstacles we'd never dreamed of, some of us rising to the challenges with kindness and grace that surely landed them on Santa's NICE list. Others, well, let's just say Santa wasn't pleased and be done with it. It is Christmas, after all. This Christmas will be different, there's no doubt about that either. We shopped online and kept our fingers crossed, hoping that packages would arrive in time. When we ventured out we wore our masks, kept our distance, and tried to let a smile show through our eyes-- at least those of us aiming for that NICE list did. So many traditions were put on hold. Families keeping safe by keeping apart. Small intimate gatherings of people in our bubble and video chats will have to do this year. Maybe that's a blessing in disguise. By stepping back from the chaos that comes with the holiday season, there's a lot less pressure to get it right. No cleaning frenzy to make everything perfect for company. No marathon baking sprees or racing around to drop off gifts. With less pressure to impress, we are remembering the joys of Christmases past. While we're decking the halls and trimming our trees to ignite the spirit in our own hearts, we can reflect on what's most important and treasure the blessings we have. We're taking the moments to be thankful for the good things all around us that we too often take for granted, like the family and friends we are still able to see— and lets not forget toilet paper and paper towels! With all the sadness 2020 has dished out, there has been joy too. People surviving Covid 19 and vaccines being produced that will help this nightmare pass into history. People helping people. People realizing what is truly important— family, friends, human contact, and love, always love—for those we know and those strangers we'll never meet. Let us celebrate this Christmas, whether alone or in our small groups, by holding hope in our hearts. One day things will go back to normal, and we'll revel in our traditions again, but maybe normal will be a little bit better for surviving the storm together. ~Elise Skidmore ©2020
Keep what traditions you can and embrace the new ones.
May the light of Christmas live bright in your heart all year through.
