Bring out the cold and warm drinks, raise a toast - it's Christmas!*

...but is it a joyous occasion for all?

Christmas. Let this sink in for a bit. Another 365 days that's passed and here we are again, a year later, celebrating Christmas 2021.

I want to ask how everyone is doing today. The general consensus would probably say they are feeling great. I think it must be due to the so aptly described 'Christmas magic'. Everything just seems to have more luster, I suppose it does quite literally too with all the tinsel, glitter and Christmas decorations. Everyone (mostly) is in a friendlier mood, arguably even more generous this time of year. Perhaps this has to do with Santa coming to town...the whole naughty and nice aspect :). This latter statement was just for some comedic effect. Christmas is synonymous with a time of rest and family gatherings.

On the other hand, there is still many of us, that are not feeling the Christmas spirit like our neighbour. As we all know, a year is filled with the highs and lows. We've all been through a lot this year. Highlighting the struggles of the past year, which include deaths due to COVID-19 infections including those that have passed on due to causes unrelated to this pandemic. The result is many with empty seats around the table. The losses seem to hurt more during this festive period doesn't it...

There has, and still is financial distress for many. I'm fairly certain that all, to some degree have taken a knock financially. Daily job losses, adding to our high unemployment level. We've had to limit our spending, and try get the most bang for our buck. The ever increasing prices of food items and fuel only exacerbate our situation. Most of the population's salaries are not adjusted accordingly to cater for inflation. Are you scraping by, just being able to provide for your families? I want to give you some recognition. I am virtually sending you a high five. I admire your determination. I acknowledge that others reading this might say "but I've also been through difficulties". Yes, here is a high-five for all of you. You have battled your way throughout this past year to get here, you have overcome shared and individual hurdles and continue the fight. Raise your arm and I want you to do an air punch, just thrust your arm upwards. Or you can do a 'dab'. If you are unfamiliar with this term please ask a millennial or those from the younger generation. Admittedly, some might say I was living under a rock as the 'dab' gesture had been around for a while, yet I had no clue what it was...sorry fellow millennials, I can just see you all shaking your heads in disappointment and disbelief. Haha :)

Go on try it, even if you feel that it's silly. I'm doing it too. Let's do it a second time for good measure.

I hope you're smiling now. :)

After that digression, let's get back to the next point on Christmas. Everyone's Christmas experience will be different to the person to your left and right, but I urge us all to take a moment to appreciate what we do have without letting it eclipse all that we wish we had and dwelling on what we have lost. This brings me to a point regarding the spiritual reason behind Christmas which is celebrating the birth of Jesus, our saviour. To my fellow Christians let us always be cognizant of this.

To those celebrating Christmas and those who are not, I send you well wishes over this festive period.

In reference to my video on this post, I mention that you should 'shine your light today and always'. Let's be kind to each other, and aim to always help those in ways we are able.

This above statement is as much of a reminder to myself too. Right, I'm going to leave it there for now and let you return to spending time with your family and friends, whether in person or virtually. Come on let's turn up the volume on the carols, and soak up the magic of this great gift of Christmas.

Keep your eyes peeled as I will have a follow-up post ready for you all to read shortly.

* I realise that Christmas has made it's appearance and as quickly as it was here, has now waved goodbye until 2022.

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