Pandemic Christmas

 

Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling. - Elba Ferber

The title may sound negative but its not intended to be that way. Its just the way things have fallen this year. The way things are right now. I began this blog in an attempt to replace the Christmas newsletters I used to email to everyone. Now I can email the link to this blog instead. Of course, I hope to hear opinions on this. Do you prefer the newsletter? Or can this blog accomplish the same thing? Please let me know what you think.

And speaking of what you think. What do you make of my Christmas tree this year? I wanted to decorate earlier than my traditional day (the day after Thanksgiving) but still ended up following my usual tradition. I decided to return the traditional white and colored lights to the tree only I still kept the tree dazzling lights as well. Its all so pretty. Somehow I managed to put everything on the tree myself. All the lights, the decorations. Everything. I've always had help so this feels so special to me. Everything looks just right. Well I think so anyway. This year has been depressing on so many levels. Covid 19 and its effects (and I'm not only talking about the people its taken) has many people not wanting to celebrate. I myself won't say I'm celebrating. A kind man who interviewed me years ago passed away from the virus. He gave me my first interview on his podcast. Not long after my first book Love Child had been published he interviewed me. I've seen my mom like twice this year. I've been home and our lives have changed. As it stands lets see if we still have our house when its all said and done. 

Its depressing yes. But I must resist any temptation to brood and not decorate. Celebrating is not mandatory, but I can decorate. I can take comfort from the beauty of Christmas lights and festive red. I can take comfort from the uplifting Christmas music (most of it anyway) and neighborhood and the loveliness of the season. We can all take some refuge from this, especially if we are faced with a second wave. Speaking for me I will say that it has helped lift some morale. Its helped me feel comfort and hope for some future. I'm counting and hoping. Its all I can do. I miss my mom in Brooklyn but we have spoken on Facetime. Its better than nothing. At least with this format we've been able to see each other.

Saying all this I do want to take a moment to extend my condolences to anyone who has experienced loss during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts.

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. - W.T Ellis

CHRISTMAS THROWBACK

Remember this from the newsletter? I will always love Christmas nostalgia. This is my nephew Luis holding my son Jason back during the 1997 Christmas season. Luis passed away in September of 2019 when he was hit by a car. Jason is now 23. This picture was taken in Sunset Park Brooklyn not long after we first moved to the area. 

I hope you enjoy the Christmas Crossword puzzle. I apologize if it looks blurry.

As of this writing it is December 12. The days have gone fast and slow at the same time. Slow because with this pandemic I haven't felt the hustle and bustle that usually takes place at this time of year. I can't visit the tree at Rockefeller Center since I would need to reserve a ticket to go see it for five or ten minutes. I don't see the point of that. Tourism is practically non existent in the city. Starting this Monday in door dining will once again be shut down. This will leave another sad pallor over the city. In hindsight it doesn't leave much desire to celebrate. Some of these restaurants already shut down back in March during the first shut down. Some didn't recover then. Some barely did. They already said they won't survive now.  It can be depressing to think about so maybe we shouldn't. 

Unfortunately it is the reality of our lives right now. Despite this there's still no reason to dwell in negativity.  I've taken the time to walk around the neighborhood and I'm pleased to say that many of my neighbors have chose to still decorate their homes. In fact I know many people reportedly hung their Christmas decorations back in March when this all began. They explained that they wanted to spread Christmas cheer during a hectic and sad time. A sweet sentiment for sure no doubt. But as we approach the end of the year, we definitely should make every effort to continue our traditions. I know its difficult. I've already read many accounts of people who already decided not to decorate this year. I do understand if that is your decision. I am sorry for it and hope something can ignite the Christmas flame. If not just know you are not alone. 

Anyone remember Bonanza? I watch DVD's of the show and remember when my parents watched it. My dad especially loved his westerns. Of course I love the Christmas episodes.

Then there's Peanuts. Snoopy and the gang. A Charlie Brown Christmas. So much of it is still relevant today. Keeping that in mind. Well stay safe everyone. I'll try to have another blog before Christmas Eve or around that time.

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. - Helen Steiner Rice

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