A period of festivities and politics

AS we count down the days to Christmas Day on December 25, you’d expect celebrations to go up a notch. There is tradition tightly linked to this special day, and the one after, on Boxing Day.

Fijians celebrate this festive season, albeit for different reasons.

Christmas day provides an opportunity to unwind, and be with family and friends.

Some see this as an opportunity to enjoy an extra two days away from work.

Some will kick off everything else and drown themselves in alcohol, and there will be thousands who will use the opportunity to become tourists.

There will be people at work though. They ensure the processes and systems that enable our nation to churn on continue rolling.

There are families who may have a loved one who is very sick, or perhaps they are not well-off and are unable to enjoy the occasion.

Following on from last year, as we battled the COVID-19 pandemic, this year should be different.

Christmas Day is a joyous occasion for Christians that should be celebrated. It is about the birth of Jesus Christ.

Just as the Biblical wise men from the East gave gifts to baby Jesus, there is an appreciation of joy and selfless giving at this time.

It is encouraging to see organisations and people reaching out to assist the less fortunate, even if it was outside the festive season.

In their little ways, they confirm there are many good people around us.

That should motivate us. It should encourage us to be good people.

It should empower us to show concern for others and love one another.

We acknowledge all those who have given up their time and effort to come to the aid of others, and hope they will continue to be shining lights in our lives.

In saying that, we also wait with bated breath for developments on our political front.

As discussions and meetings go on today, we are reminded about hope, and how important it is in the mechanics of things that make our lives fulfilling.

Ultimately, what should matter is what is good for the country.

Fijians will look up to the powers that be for guidance, and the strength and courage to do the right thing! They will look up to the powers that be to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every Fijian irrespective of who they voted for, and their political leaning.

They will expect our leaders to never allow their emotions to dictate their actions.

We reflect on this period of goodwill, joy and of giving, and again, we wait!