THIS CHRISTMAS GIVE THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL...

Did you know that Charles Dickens was credited with reinvigorating interest in Christmas and its traditions almost 180 year ago, when he wrote his novella, A Christmas Carol?  The ‘New Christmas’ that Dickens helped to create was essentially a family affair.  Dickens put home and hearth at the center of things, to stress fellowship, empathy between different sections of society, the responsibility of employers, good cheer and social harmony.

Today in America, and so many years later, we carry on much of the traditions that Dickens portrayed in The Christmas Carol – The Christmas tree, roasted turkey, holly, Santa Claus (Father Christmas), presents for the children and family and friends, gathering together for fun and fellowship. 

But 2020 has presented us with a new challenge at Christmas, a life & death challenge, to avoid gatherings to stay safe. The safety measures that the health professionals are asking us to follow are not theory.  They are based on science and taking a page from history.  The world suffered over 50 million deaths 100 years ago from the pandemic that started in 1918 and ended in 1920.  The second wave hit the world right after Christmas.  This year, we have seen the number of covid-19 cases increase dramatically again, after Thanksgiving.   In Southold Town, some hamlets have reported 30-50% more cases in the past 20 days.

So many friends and family are torn between traditional family gatherings and staying at home.  It seems almost impossible to establish a “safe” gathering when relatives and friends are travelling from other parts, working or going to school, or engaging in seemingly harmless activities, that expose us all to the virus. 

The greatest gift you can give your family and friends is to stay safe and encourage them to stay safe as well. You make the decision that will protect all your friends and loved ones from becoming ill or possibly worse.  The vaccine is a beacon of hope, but it will take some time to reach us all.  Stay home this year for Christmas, wear a mask, wash your hands, disinfect, practice social distancing, get tested if you are not feeling well, and let others know you expect them to do the same.

On the plus side, technology has given us new ways of communicating with each other.  Zooming, Facetime, and so many other ways of seeing each other, can brighten up the holiday and bring us closer together.  Our family will be zooming on Christmas Day and opening gifts we have sent to each other.  Create your own, new family tradition!

This Christmas, give the greatest gift of all to your loved ones – stay home, stay safe so we can all celebrate together next year…in person!

“God Bless us, everyone.”  

Wishing you a very hopeful Christmas!