A SEASON OF HOPE
Most years, Christmas and the coming of the new year are a time for looking back at the old one. What momentous events did the past 12 months bring? What did we achieve? What milestones did we celebrate?
But in 2020, many of us will be doing our best not to look back at this difficult year, but to look forward.
To the end of lockdowns. To a less polarized political landscape. To a resumption of “normal” activities after the deadly pandemic that has taken so many lives and touched so many of us.
However, there are many reasons to reflect on the positive elements of this taxing year. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, so many Montrealers stepped forward to help their neighbours with shopping or cooking or other help. Companies shifted their activities to help in the battle against COVID-19. And, of course, the greatest heroes of all, health-care workers and those who work in essential services, put their lives on the line to care for others.
All of those are lights in the darkness, beacons of hope and charity in a once-in-a-century pandemic that has brought the world to its knees.
But we still have to get through Christmas. For Christians, Dec. 25 is a holy day of great joy, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Even for those not of the Christian faith, it is a time traditionally spent with family and friends.
Instead, if we heed the advice of scientists and medical authorities, all across this country, there will be people who spend these days alone, separated from elderly parents, longing to see grandchildren, reaching out by telephone and Facetime and Zoom to try to replicate the love and togetherness that usually accompany this holiday for so many of us.
Perhaps it will help to hearken to the lyrics of a song written more than 70 years ago, at another dark time, as the Second World War dragged on.
Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane wrote Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas for the movie Meet Me in St. Louis, released in 1944.
It was not meant to be about the war, but its original lyrics are a mixture of melancholy and hope that seemed to fit the mood of weary soldiers and their families.
The last verse seems achingly appropriate for this holiday season.
Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now Indeed. Merry Christmas, and here's to a healthier, better new year.