Retired Consultant Physician & Freelance Journalist
This has not been a normal year, anything but. Christmas too will be different!
COVID-19 has taken over our lives, our liberties and our way of living. Recent projections of the Pandemic were bleak, dramatic and chilling, forcing another lockdown. In this climate of lingering uncertainty, the traditional family, so embattled by the consequences, will need to tighten its belt. The trimmings at Christmas, the fanfare and festivities, will inevitably be subdued. However, with effective vaccines awaiting approval, there is hope on the Horizon. So,’ it’s beginning to look like Christmas’!
Christmas, is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who is the Son of God. He was born as a human being, in baby Jesus. This period of Advent, leading up to Christmas, provides an opportunity to prepare spiritually, for the coming of Jesus. Today, the religious significance of Christmas is overcome by the commercial hype and purchasing mania. Christmas is perceived by the secularists as a holiday period, shifting the focus to purchasing gifts, stocking of food & drink, partying and generally preparing for the festivities. For others, it is a time to get away and enjoy a skiing holiday perhaps.
In Sri Lanka, it is customary at this time of year, to have the houses colour washed and painted. It is the time to buy the ingredients for the Christmas cake and other sweet meats, and also gifts, fireworks and crackers and a general stock up, of non-perishable foods, for the festivities. Churches are cleaned, decorated and cribs are laid out. Choirs would be rehearsing for the Christmas services. Pre-Christmas concerts are staged and school children will be getting ready, for their Nativity plays. However, this year, these activities are notably absent. The upmarket shopping complexes, with many failed businesses are deserted due to shop closures. There is an eerie silence in the Malls.
In the UK too, the usual ‘hustle and bustle’ in shopping malls, is notably absent, so are the buskers and choirs singing Christmas songs & carols. After months of home working, it would be nice to come together for the Traditional Christmas office party, – it cannot happen. So, neither friend nor foe, can kiss under the mistletoe!
In London, it was quiet on the Christmas illuminations front, at Oxford Street – there was no crowds and celebrity switch on. The iconic Santa’s Grotto at Harrod’s Departmental store and the Traditional Haley’s Toy display, will notably be absent. Curtains are down in all West End theatres denying us, the West End Musicals and carol concerts at the Royal Albert and Royal Festival halls. Christmas period without Pantomimes for the kids, was unheard of, but this year, it is real. This is true for London and the regional theatres. Nativity Plays in schools are all cancelled. Carol singing in the shopping Centres is not allowed. All carol singing events, our own Epsom Male Voice choir had planned, to entertain residents in care homes, will not happen. The echoing wax scented churches too, will be devoid of their carolling congregations, that includes all ‘Christmas services of the nine lessons’. Whether it be the Festive aspect or of religious significance, large numbers do attend Christmas Midnight Mass. These Midnight services are permitted, but choral carol singing would not be an option.
While we cannot control what happens outside our homes over this festive season, we can command operations inside, where home and hearth, have become more important than ever. Christmas decorations are in place and very early too. Christmas trees and decorations traditionally start going on display when Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Early onset decorating is an act of defiance this year, a howl against the restrictive encroachments and worries of 2020.
All above mentioned activities, contribute to the Christmas experience. Absence of this build up does intensify the bleakness of this season. These may seem superficial, but as they impact on the entertainment and other related services, there is a human and economic cost. It also brings to the fore, two important social issues – loneliness and Homelessness. Loneliness at Christmas is of particular significance in the UK/ Western countries.
One of the feelings many of us are experiencing during this Pandemic is loneliness. In our efforts to stay safe, our usual ways of seeing family, friends or just familiar faces, have been put on pause. For many living alone, ‘Loneliness at Christmas’ would be worse this year. Those who lost a loved one to Covid, will feel isolated and lonely at this, their first Christmas, after the loss. The elderly living on their own, will miss their social gatherings/lunches. For those separated from their nearest by considerable distance, visit to their pub, which has been their lifeline, is denied. At this magical time of Christmas when loved ones reconnect and get together for the festivities, for those, forced by the restrictions, to be alone, in front of the ‘box’, is sad. Covid regulations have imposed insurmountable restrictions for these unfortunate individuals and what could be done to alleviate their loneliness this Christmas, is uncertain. The helpline called ‘Silver Line’ is available for help, if needed. A telephone call from friends or neighbours would be very welcome. So would a Christmas wish or a brief visit on Christmas day – observing social distancing rules of course. Family ties and cultural trends in Sri Lanka and Asian countries, tend to protect the elders from isolation. Therefore, loneliness for the elderly, is not a major issue.
As the autumn leaves fall and the shutters come down on shops, pubs & eateries, they join the already collapsed travel and entertainment industries in the vanishing trail of businesses. This Pandemic, has devastated the world economy, The Chancellor in the UK, has saved us from economic Armageddon by creating a huge safety net for affected families & businesses. Even with these measures many jobs will be lost. Job losses, rising unemployment and personal debt, in time, will result in loss of homes, adding to the number of Homeless. Covid related Homelessness at Christmas would add to the problem of homelessness and urgent help from Charities would be needed to supplement Government grants. It is gratifying that the Government has allocated generous funds to remove the rough sleepers from the streets. Loss of a job resulting in loss of the family home, for the unfortunate families means, being cooped up in a single rented room, at Christmas,
Last year, many London choirs including Epsom Male Voice Choir, participated in recording the song entitled, ‘A place called Home’ for the Homeless charity ‘Shelter’. The proceeds from the sale of this CD, led by opera stars (Byrne Terfel, & Lesley Garret) went to Shelter. Other charities supporting the homeless eg Salvation Army, Crisis at Christmas, rely on public support too, to carry out the good work they do.
In a glorious surge of Joy and relief, the mood worldwide has turned, following the announcement by Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca of what we hope, are three successful vaccines against Covid 19. This promising breakthrough represents the first real chance, that, this horrible disease, could be conquered.
After months of ‘Doom and Gloom’, there is hope in the Horizon. Even the prospect of a normal family Christmas, seems to be within reach. Surely, the sooner we get our halls decked with spirit–raising holly and Ivy, the better it will be for everyone. The world looks better, when basking in the glow of fairy lights and a little bit of hope.
Christmas 2020 is going to be a nightmare, to be honest. Christmas socialising will come with a substantial risk, this year. Even with limits to family gatherings, we can all have a nice time together, over turkey and stuffing, but no Hugs no kisses and pulling of crackers, will be forbidden. No one knows where it is all going from here. This is another good reason why it is imperative to get those decorations up early. So, let’s put some ‘Ho Ho Ho’ back into our lives!
The ingenious scientists, with the vaccines, have provided Mankind with Hope for a ‘New Normal Life’. The message of Christmas, heralds Hope and Joy of a ‘New Life’ We could therefore, embrace those baubles & trinkets, which are perceived as totems to the human spirit and beacons of starry hope, as we sail into an uncertain future, of life after Covid 19.
This unusual Christmas, we have the opportunity to step back and reflect – to ask ourselves, fundamental questions about our lives, our values, attitudes and even the nature of our realities. Post Covid 19, there will be changes to our lifestyles. They could be just physical changes, changes in our attitudes to life, our outlook and indeed our perceptions and even how we behave towards our fellow equals or the less fortunate. It is time to think of the good we can do and help shape a better world.
In this context, I draw attention to a quote of late Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sachs, in his ‘Thought of the Day’ this year.
“We have been through so much, to simply to go back to where we were. We have to rescue some blessings from the curse, some hope from the pain”
Major companies have culled nearly 200,000 British jobs already as they struggle with the devastating impact of the Corona virus. The furlough scheme covering up to 80% of the income or £2500/month is generous, has been extended until March 21. Those still indulging in the fantasy that life in this pandemic can be a long furlough, the speed with which our national debt has surged above £3 trillion should come as a wakeup call.
Once again, at my home, it would be the three of us, as it was 50 years ago. If churches are open.
Reduced intention to shop and browse – resulting in lower demand for shops and may be shopping centres
Dining out and club culture would change – although a brief respite due to ‘Eat out to help pot scheme’ which was very successful.
Severely limit party sizes at Weddings, Anniversaries etc.
Worship
Travel restrictions will have knock on effects on pilgrimages and income to Holy sites
Will the normal be that we have
- Improved air quality
- Shop wisely
- Eat healthily – essential eating, less waste. Not likely from the eat out to help out scheme – some families showing how wasteful they are by having 3 meals a day on the scheme
- More concern for others
- Value and protect our elders
- Respect authority and value the NHS
This is a generation that has not experienced anything like this before. They have not lived during a war. They have not collectively faced a major threat during their lifetime. Pandemic has brought into focus the reality of how vulnerable we are in life – reality of a near death experience or the unpredictable course of this dreaded illness and the uncertainties of employment.
It has concentrated minds on the value of life, relationships, avoiding waste, living within ones means and also perhaps taught that we cannot have everything we want.
Attitude – an acquired state thro’ experiences, a predisposed state of mind which influences the individuals thought and action. Attitudes towards authority and guidance – some cannot take no for an answer. Actions have interactions/reactions – like putting others at risk.
How attitudes influence behaviour – it was sad to listen to a young policeman say that he was only trying to help but was spat at. This was in reference to a group not keeping to social distancing regulations. These individuals shun authority.
Values – what is important in life – principles or standards of behaviour. If these standards are lacking could they be instilled. May be this Pandemic would alter their mind set and help think of others.
Reality is the sum of all that is real within a system as opposed to which is imaginary. This Pandemic has concentrated minds on how fragile life could be, reality of death, security of employment and loss of earnings. The new normal is living on essentials reducing waste and avoiding debt.
Way of life is the behaviour and habits that are typical of a person or group. As a society our way of life is bound to change.
Working from home is bound to have advantageous but productivity needs to be kept up with better communications Broadband etc.
Advantages – saving times and money travelling to work
Downside – boredom loss of social contact and interactions in office team working and effect on trainees.
You Gov Poll on social distancing:
- 70% – reluctant to go out
- 40% reluctant to shop and
- 50% reluctant to go to pubs
Lockdown will result in psychological effects which will take a long time to resolve. It may take until a vaccine is available to stop the disease. As a result, socialising will be curtailed. The hospitality industry is badly affected eg theatres, eating places and pubs.
Devastating effects on sporting events World cup, Olympics, Cricket, Wimbledon – economic impact on ticket sales, hotel and event organising staff and inevitable redundancies.
Airline industry affected due to restrictions, quarantines with grounded aircraft and redundancies and major airlines going under.
They are cherished memories, not for the echoing, wax scented churches with the carolling congregations but, because, those were true Christmases.
Prevailing uncertainties of a second wave or living with the virus will impact on free movement. The non-religious people who consider Christmas as a holiday season will not be able to travel on holidays overseas. Holidays will be less exotic more inspirational, explorative and learn more about our country could be restricted.
This ’deep midwinter’ Christmas would be different, but there would be similarities too. As Covid restrictions prevail the numbers allowed to gather at Christmas is limited. Hence, once again, this Christmas, it would be the three of us, as it was 50 years ago. Other family members excluded and no grandchildren to hug and kiss. Yet, we are far from isolated or lonely because with today’s social media network we can communicate freely with friends and extended family both in the UK and abroad. Although the echoing wax scented churches with the carolling congregations will be silenced, we will attend Christmas midnight services, if permitted.
What a difference 50 years can make. It was our first Christmas in the UK in 1970 – It was lonely because my wife and I with our daughter who was a toddler were in a one bed rented accommodation, no friends nearby and no telephone in the property. Having started a new locum job in November, I was on call on Christmas Eve which meant I had to be resident in hospital. Add to it all my daughter, fell ill that afternoon and my only option was to get the wife and daughter to come to hospital and stay in the on-call room. It snowed that Christmas eve and when I finished my shift it was a horrendous walk to the underground station slipping and sliding on the 6 inches of snow. We were 6000 miles from our families. Even a telephone call to speak to our loved ones was not a viable option, due the prohibitive cost of international telephone calls. International calls were not possible from a public call box. This personal experience helps me empathise with those experience ‘Loneliness at Christmas’, We were so pleased to be invited for Christmas lunch by our landlord and his wife. Christmas this year would be lonely for lots of people, in particular, the widowed elderly living on their own, shielding on their own or with partners, those separated from their loved ones due to travel restrictions and those residents in nursing homes.
We will ‘deck our hall with boughs of holly’ and have the traditional Christmas tree bedecked with fairy lights and tinsel. This is the opportunity to celebrate the true significance of Christmas, without the commercial hype and purchasing mania focussed on food and festivities. They will be celebrations of the true religious significance of Christmas.
Wishing you all a Safe Christmas
