...it doesn't properly start until your first mince pie!
Well, you may disagree with this idea but I think that the familiar traditions at Christmas will be even more special this year. Whether that is Christmas pudding, stollen, panettone, gingerbread, pulling crackers at the start of Christmas Day meal or simply spending time with loved ones...there is so much to enjoy at this time and this year is no different in this respect. We may be restricted in terms of physical contact with people around us, but here is the opportunity to be innovative and re-create your favourite traditions.
I have been inspired to write this blog during the final month of 2020 as a result of watching a traditional Christmas poem being re-written to share positivity around the globe. Prince William and Kate Middleton narrated an amended version of 'Twas the Night before Christmas in which they thank key workers and discuss the importance of staying united. Currently, days are shorter and nights are longer, and alongside the restrictions imposed as a result of covid-19. Whether or not you are fond of the monarchy, I think the message of this video is so relevant. The impact of this virus has caused so much division, due to widespread emotions of fear and worry. However, let us all seize the moment and embrace feelings of compassion towards the rest of humanity.
I shall continue with a few lines taken from the video, which reveals key workers and their families receiving toys at a pantomime.
It begins:
'Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the land, key workers kept working to help give us a hand.
The nurses, the doctors, at the heart of the fight, joined teachers, shop workers, volunteers in their plight.
And the country was grateful for all they had done, and wanted to thank them and bring them some fun.
So together with others we set on a mission,
To do something special in the best Christmas tradition.
The video then portrays how there was a special pantomime held at London Palladium for key workers and their families in honour of their hard work, and to show how Christmas traditions will still continue. The children leave the show to find the toys they had asked for, along with Father Christmas and a snow-covered scene.
Beneath the sheer simplicity of this generous act is a heartfelt message of perseverance and determination reaping rewards. This is epitomised in the final words of the video:
And as families departed, as if from a book, there's magic to be found wherever you look.
The moral of the story, true now more than ever, remarkable things happen, when we all work together.
These concluding words illustrate how it is possible for fantastic situations to happen when we may least expect it, if we only trust in the power of solidarity.
A quote by W.C Jones reads:
"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other's burdens, easing each other's loads, and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays"
Once again, there is magic and collaboration apparent in these words about the festive holidays. The more we support one another, the more we assist one another with our strains, the more division has a lesser grip...think beyond the concerns about materialism at Christmas and consider what you can do to help reduce the unease for your loved ones. The virtual platforms are available and are becoming increasingly competitive in designing the most exciting developments for you to enjoy on your screen. Take care of those all around around you, and that love and goodwill shall be returned back to you, often in the most unexpected ways.
I also came across the following appropriate quote, whilst reading C.S Lewis' Little Book of Wisdom which is a regular read to conclude my day, having enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia collection as a child. This particular quote reads:
"Friends are not primarily absorbed in each other. It is when we are doing things together when friendship springs up - painting, sailing ships, praying, philosophising, fighting shoulder to shoulder. Friends look in the same direction"
You may not resonate with any of the activities above but the message runs clear - we bond and build alliances when we are engaged with activities which we enjoy. Whether you are a lover of physical activities or something more relaxed like reading, writing or even knitting, find the time during this festive time to participate fully in your desired hobby and share your passion with others. Undoubtedly, there will be others who share a similar interest in the pastime and you have the opportunity to both take pleasure from shared fun. Above all, this statement demonstrates how you do not have to always agree but the mere act of participating collaboratively will bring you closer and will align your life perspectives.
Continuing along the lines of cooperation, I hope to maintain an atmosphere of esprit de corps during my undertakings online.
My final Christmassy radio show will continue on Wednesday evening 8-10pm on 23rd December so, I hope that you are able to tune in for the festive fun. You can hear your favourite Christmas songs, take a guess on the weekly quizzes and make the excuse to dance along! There is also the opportunity to take part in a Christmas carolling tradition broadcast on Christmas Eve, 7-8pm - please find the lyrics online here to download and be ready to sing along the night before Christmas. Tune into Lymm Radio for an hour of carols and traditional Christmas songs, warbling with your loved ones.
My range of Christmas food will continue on Instagram, and I hope that you find the weekly offerings of short poems useful to observe how life can change from one day to the next. As Nature slows down, and animals hibernate, take the time to rest and relax...with a mince pie, hot chocolate or even a glass of mulled wine. We have all experienced an extraordinary year and should be proud that the world has weathered the storm. Now is the time to regain energy and strength before another new year beckons...
Elizabeth Gilbert's words ring true, and don't forget that family are whoever you want to be cherish in your life. They may or may not be a blood relation. Most importantly, they are people who you know you would sacrifice anything and everything for.
"We must take care of our families wherever we find them"
Remember to treasure your loved ones during the festive month of December and beyond...wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful start to 2021!
Lots of love always,
Sitara xxx
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