Picture the scene, the date is 1st January 2020 at 12:02AM fireworks being set off in every direction. You've had quite a few drinks throughout the evening, said goodbye to the old and welcomed in the new. words like "social distancing" and "tier system" has yet to become common in your current vocabulary. Embraced with your significant other a thought comes into your mind and you whisper something in her ear.
"This is going to be a year of tests".
I was referring to many achievements that I wanted to obtain by the end of the year, but what a foreshadowing for the steaming dogpile that this year has been. It has been a testing one, mostly on the stability of the human mind. Its been testing on all of us and I, much like others are happy to see it go. But the year isn't over yet, and even when the clock strikes 12:00 on the 31st everything won't automatically fix itself with end credits rolling in the sky and "Thanks for playing life simulator 2020" appearing as the title. Its going to be more like the aftermath of every superhero movie that is not shown where the giant monster has been defeated and the civilians are left to assess that half the city is destroyed, with one person to look at another and go "I'll grab a broom". I'm being very pessimistic about the whole situation but it has been a horrible year.
Many are quite glad that the Christmas season has come as it means joy for many. A time to share gifts, visit family members, sing Carols and share a traditional Christmas dinner. A time to decorate the tree and partake in various board games. For me I tend to find this season one of my lesser favorite holidays due to the stress and previous experiences.
This year...I'll be honest...I'm...I'm conflicted.
Has this year broke me down that much to actually have some Christmas spirit?
No, And here is why. (Side note: If you asked the above question about a week ago when I wrote most of the top part of this I would have had a conflicted answer but now that I've pondered over this I definitely know the answer.)
For the past few years I've found that I've had less and less Christmas spirit in me. I celebrate it, sure. but I wouldn't say that I've actively been excited for the holiday season for a multitude of reasons, mostly due to the fact that its been highly overhyped, commercialised and seems to start earlier and earlier. Please don't take this the wrong way, I may not enjoy Christmas as much as the next person but I make sure not to actively ruin someone's fun as that is just plain horrible.
This year the reasons for not having the holiday spirit is different. We have been bombarded with so many horrible things that we just want some thing happy to cheer us up. Unfortunately its not the "traditional" Christmas many wished for. The common phrase used around our flat at the moment is "It just doesn't feel like Christmas" and its true, it doesn't. Right now as of writing this it's 11:30 on Christmas Eve and I'm surrounded with wrapped presents and empty boxes. I've spend this afternoon delivering presents to the respected people at a socially safe distance and precautions taken but it didn't feel "Christmassy", it didn't feel right. Even just saying "Have a good Christmas" or "Merry Christmas" feels empty and hollow. But the thing is...I am lucky.
A lot of people are going to be feeling lonely and isolated. Most won't be able to see family and some might not even be able to see other people. I saw a news article recently explaining that some of the restrictions in place are affecting those in single person households that might not have family to spend Christmas with. I am lucky to not be one of those affected, I am lucky to live with my bestfriends and have plans set for tomorrow with them. I am not mentioning this to brag but more to state that even with everything going on, I need to be more humble and remember that I am lucky. I may not be able to spend Christmas day with my family but we have adapted slightly and I'm ok with that.
It was mentioned to me in a conversation that we shouldn't say that "Christmas is canceled" as it technically isn't, the holiday will still go ahead. But we should say that "Christmas is postponed" or at least the social aspect. We don't need to have a massive get together in order for it to be Christmas we can move that later on in the year once restrictions have been lifted and its safe to do so.
So finally...This Christmas, just do what you can. Adapt with the new normal. Check in with those that might be alone this year. And let's hope that things might be a little different in the years to come...
No comments:
Post a Comment