All I Want for Christmas

This year we will be writing different kinds of Christmas lists. Most of them will not include extravagant gifts but rather necessities that we will get for Christmas after surviving this tumultuous year. When thinking about Christmas this year, there is nothing material that I need and I am very thankful for that.

So I wrote a different kind of Christmas list this year. All I want is:

The end of this pandemic:

After the year we have had with Covid and isolation and people dying, let us all work towards a better year with hopes for those who have been affected by this virus and for our society to slowly return back to normal. The pandemic has made us all realize how important the small stuff is, but now I think we are ready to go back to our everyday lives, looking back in appreciation, and becoming a whole society again.

Unemployment numbers going down:

So many people lost their jobs this year during the pandemic. The biggest rate of job loss was found in the small business market. I hope that 2021 allows these people the opportunity to find their paths again, whether by finding a new job or reestablishing their business. When shopping this Christmas, think of the small business owner who really needs to make up for losses this holiday season. So even if you have to make a trip to the store, versus ordering online, give that extra effort for the small business you enjoy during the year. You want them to make it and continue to grow in your community.

A more peaceful society

Now that the Presidential election is over (whether it is your candidate or not), let us all strive to live in a more peaceful society. Amidst the pandemic, we saw the Black Lives Matter protests because of George Floyd, resistance because of a Supreme Court judge, and finally protesting over vote counting. Let us put this all behind us and work towards a better society in 2021. Haven’t we suffered enough in 2020, people losing lives, families torn apart and the list continues. So let one of our Christmas wishes (and New Year goals) be to live in a more peaceful society.

More people loving each other

After this unusually horrible year, we should dig deep into our hearts and souls and forgive others for petty occurrences that wouldn’t matter in time of disease, death and job loss. As we are recovering our economy let us also recover our relationships. It’s not too late to call that friend or relative that you have lost touch with. We have learned unfortunately that life is way too tough and we should forgive, mend fences and go on with our lives in a loving manner. Also, take more time with family. Instead of rushing back to our crazy days, take a step back each day and remember the parts of lockdown that were wonderful, like spending more time with children and loved ones.

Hopes for the New Year

In thinking ahead to 2021, let’s resurrect our resolutions to be more conducive to what we are living in now. Yes, we all want to eat better, lose weight, etc. but our goals should be a bit different this year after exiting such a whirlwind year we don’t want to repeat. Some thoughts could be:

1. Take more time to do your daily routine. Relish in every moment.
2. Make self-care a priority.
3. Love each other more.
4. Evaluate your finances and establish new goals.
5. Be more considerate of others, including strangers.

There is much to think about as we enter this holiday season. Many of us will have to give us seeing family at a distance, having our usual work holiday parties and just entertaining and enjoying each other’s company. It will be a difficult Christmas for many but let us think of the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy the “little things that life has given us.” Watch the Hallmark Channel, bake some cookies, call an old friend and listen to Christmas music to fill your soul. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all and most of all, I wish all of you a Happy, Healthy 2021.