Reflect on the blessings you have
Take a deep breath this Christmas Day 2020, exhale slowly and count your blessings the year is almost over.
If you’re spending your time isolated at home, visiting your family over Zoom, or simply making a telephone call then count your blessing again because you’re keeping the risk of being infected — or infecting — others with the coronavirus.
Yes, 2020 has been a very, very hard year. But if you’re reading this once again count your blessings. You’re not working in the health care industry, caring for ever- increasing surge of coronavirus patients; or the restaurant industry which has seen dramatic reductions in diners that have led to massive layoffs and perhaps even closures.
And if you’re planning on watching a streaming movie today — maybe with your family via Facetime video on your cell phone — then think about those in the movie industry who have lost their jobs. Do you plan on returning to a movie theater soon? Probably not. At least not until you get vaccinated.
And as for that vaccination, be particularly pleased that the Trump Administration did one thing right during this pandemic and was able to get pharmaceutical companies working at “warp speed” to develop those vaccines. Isn’t that a singular tiding of great joy?
Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. The Christmas season is a time that is supposed to evoke joy, good cheer and benevolence toward our fellow man. We know that doesn’t always happen but you personally can strive for it.
Simply by wearing a mask, washing your hands and staying at least 6 feet away from others will demonstrate your compassion for those others around you ( if they’re outside your “bubble” or “pod,” or whatever you want to call it).
Look at it another way. Normally, during the holiday season some of us — make that many of us — are more likely to feel rushed, harried, depressed and, yes, even angry because of the shopping we’ve done, the crowds we’ve encountered, the money we’ve spent.
As terrible as that is for our local merchants and their employees that we’re now shopping via computer instead of in- person, the lack of personal stress may not be all a bad thing.
Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Think of those you see huddled on the streets and in our parks over the holidays. It’s cold. They’re outside swathed in blankets or in tents. Some people in Woodland view the homeless as “subhuman,” others as drug- addicted, and not worthy of our concern. But that doesn’t mean you should treat them with contempt or neglect. Isn’t charity a cornerstone of every faith worldwide?
Fortunately, Woodland has mostly finished the Beamer Street shelter, where around 70 people were scheduled to move in this and coming weeks. Eventually, after the pandemic has lessened, there will be 100 people receiving help. It will take these individuals and families off the streets. That’s a good thing. It’s a model for other communities.
All of us have feelings about Christmas. So, take a moment for reflection and search for proper perspective. Choose to eschew the stress of the season and take time to accept the many things that are right in your life. Maybe those things are few, but enjoy them nonetheless.
We urge Christians to take time to truly remember the tenets of their faith and reflect on exactly why Christmas Day is important. For non- Christians, such as Jews, Muslims, agnostics or atheists, this is still a significant holiday, affording precious time with others. Embrace such gifts of time together if it’s possible. And add a prayer ( or a kind thought) for those families who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus. Remember, there are more than 104 people countywide who have died. Their families will be mourning this Christmas.
In the spirit of the season, our sincere wish is for everyone to have a happy and meaningful Christmas holiday. Be patient with others who are not. Be grateful for what you give and what you receive. Be the Good Samaritan and practice acts of charity with those who are unknown to you.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Take a deep breath and exhale slowly as we make our way toward the end of 2020.