A New(norm) Kind of Christmas

It's been a crazy ride this year. If last year I thought Christmas was just as quiet as the previous years, thanks to Covid-19, the celebration has been pretty bleak. That's how I have observed it the whole day today

More than 100 days ago, my maternal aunt succumbed to brief battle with cancer. It's been my family tradition (I guess in some of the cultures as well) to observe mourning period up to a year after the deceased's passing. Hence, my dad decided not to put up the plastic Christmas tree in the living room. Honestly speaking, I am not so keen on assembling the tree; I guess my point of views on my Christian faith could be part of the reason of me being nonchalant over petty matters in preparing for the festive season. I mean, putting up the tree is just a symbolic gesture to uplift the festive mood (and don't forget having to grow up in a capitalistic world,  I have come to comprehend that festivities like Christmas generate commercial trades. There are pros and cons, but I will not dig deeper on those.

The pandemic has taught the world about resetting priorities and creating new normal kind of lifestyle. From what I see, the current situation teaches us to be moderate in celebrating whatever festivities there are; in other words, to utilise with what we have.

Other good point of having to celebrate Christmas amidst the pandemic this year, this would be a good opportunity to re-focus on the real reason of why Christians celebrate Christmas. To NOT worry over things like roasted meats and poultry, gifts et cetera. 

For me, I would say I am grateful to be able to be at home, sitting peacefully in my comfort zone rather than wasting energy having to worry about festive food or whose open house should I visit and all.

My hope for 2021 and the years to come is to see the pandemic dies down completely and to anticipate better luck and good health. I'll save this part for new year's posting. 

Till then, happy Christmas and be alert of the possibilities related to the outbreak. Our battle against Covid-19 is far from end.