Well this is the strangest Christmas Eve, without any of the usual excitement and anticipation of a big family gathering although I am really looking forward to being in a support bubble with H and spending time with her and R. It will be different but different can be good and there will be many plusses, including the lack of food stress. Having said that, as we are having lamb I thought red cabbage would be a great side dish so I got ahead and made it yesterday, totally forgetting H can’t eat onion! So thats gone in the freezer but they’ll be more Brussels, which she loves!
A few years ago I suggested we had Christmas (the secular bit) every other year little imagining how unlike Christmas this Christmas is turning out to be! The sadness of many of my friends as they share the non arrival of children living in T4 or having to be in self isolation. It is heartfelt. And then the guilt because what have we to complain about? We are not essential workers, or grieving the loss of a loved one or in the front line of the Covid battle. We hopefully have enough to eat and a bed to sleep in. There is so much for us to give thanks for. And yet, we are human so feel emotion and I think its OK to admit to our disappointment and frustration and anxious thoughts. All you read about is an ever worsening situation what with Covid, Brexit and social unrest. Its hard not to lose sight of the hope that things will get better. So, I thank God that this actually is the season of hope and goodwill towards men. What better time to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to give thanks for the tiny baby born in a stable who God sent to give us all hope, whatever our circumstances. If there is one thing I have learned from Covid it is that I am not in control and in order to make sense of the world, and to have the strength of mind and purpose every day to get up and get on, I need the power of God working within me. It might not change my circumstances but my prayer is that it can help me change my attitude towards them.
Whether alone or with others, I wish you a Christmas where joy can be found and you may find that peace which passes all human understanding, wherever you may be.
NarrowboatTLC 