Even now, Christmas a good reminder
2020’s holiday won’t be your normal Christmas.
A lot of presents that would have been opened in person have already been mailed off to friends and relatives.
That may be an understatement.
The holiday — if commonsense public health guidelines are followed — will be smaller and more intimate. Likely gatherings with out- of-state or cross-state relatives will be on Zoom or FaceTime.
Staying home has been prescribed as a way to keep others and ourselves healthy.
A lot of presents that would have been opened in person have already been mailed off to friends and relatives.
Some traditions will take a break, in hopes that they will return in 2021 with each and every family member and friend healthy and ready to enjoy them.
This year’s holiday hits just as COVID-19 cases and deaths are hitting record levels, putting pressure on hospitals and medical staff and casting a shadow of loss and sadness on a day celebrated for hope, giving and goodwill.
Many local charities and volunteers have worked hard to make sure the latter are part of this year’s holiday, collecting donated gifts, wrapping them and giving them to needy families. Food banks have seen a spike in demand for their free offerings as the coronavirus lockdown has taken a deep toll on families’ incomes.
At the same time, distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is taking place, in a way that is trying to make sure those who are the most vulnerable are first to receive the inoculations.
We’re all ready to shelve our masks and reopen stores and auditoriums. But we must practice public health measures, such as wearing coverings for your mouth and nose when you might come close to others outside your “bubble,” practicing social distancing and washing your hands.
Such measures are rooted in the hope that they will help save lives and halt the spread of the virus.
In December of 1962, President John Kennedy spoke of global humanity and world peace at the annual lighting of the nation’s Christmas tree.
He also brought the holiday’s message a lot closer to home: “It is the day when all of us dedicate our thoughts to others; when all are reminded that mercy and compassion are the enduring virtues; when all show, by small deeds and large and by acts, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
His words ring even clearer today, when it seems they could be lost in the political vitriol and social strife and, of course, the pains of a pandemic, our nation faces in 2020.
Since March, we have seen many examples of the unselfish and heartfelt practice of Kennedy’s wise words heard by radio and television from the nation’s capital.
This year’s holiday won’t be “normal.” Yet, our reflection of Kennedy’s message is probably even more important today and can endure the challenges of today’s worldwide public health crisis.
Kennedy spoke of deeds and light — the message of today’s holiday and those held in other religions — “a guiding star” of peace and goodwill toward all.
The late Beth Ashley, whose columns graced our pages for decades, wrote in 2006 about her family’s Christmas traditions.
She summed it with a nice neat bow: “It’s a time for hugging and eating and gift giving and appreciating our lives, now and forever. This is how it was in the beginning. This is how -- with good luck and effort -- it ever shall be.”
This year’s version likely will be a little smaller -- probably a little different -- but the spirit of Christmas -- hope, faith and good will -- won’t be limited.
That’s our holiday wish for our all.