Santa Claus could be reading all those letters sent by children from all over the world. Checking if they were good or bad. Well it’s that time of the year. Yes, Christmas is just around the corner. A time for family parties, dances, eating great food and generally having a goreat time. And yes, gaining a kilo or two in weight.
This year however will be different. Christmas will be solemn, reflective and an ocassion of coming together quietly, to hold hands.
The Corona virus has ensured that. Occasions of great joy and even sorrow are now being observed differently. Less numbers and more space is the order of the day. All the festivals celebrated so far this year have been very different and Christmas will be no different.
Aaron D’souza from Margao smiled while reminiscing about Christmas past. He said “We used to have family parties with relatives coming home from abroad and all over the state. Now that will not happen. It will just be immediate family. It will not be the Christmas we all used to celebrate with great gusto. I suppose with all that is taking place, it is better to take care rather than having regrets later.” Attending midnight mass is a very important part of celebrating Christmas. That however may not be happening this year.
Adrian Fernandes from Sawantwadi said attending mass was very important and that would not be happening this year. Adrain said “Our relatives will not be coming and there will not be any parties. It will be like any other day for me. I hope everything works out fine next year.”
Salma Fernandes from Candolim said attending midnight mass was the highpoint but that would not happen this time. With regards to parties and laughed aloud and said that as a resident of the beach belt there were several parties going on everyday and she and her friends would be partying over the Christmas holidays. She however bemoaned the fact that with the virus running rampant in various parts of the world, foreign tourists would not be coming and they would certainly be missed. People, she said, were sitting at home and watching mass at home which killed the Christmas vibe. She expressed the hope the situation would improve.
Deborah Johnston, a resident of Panjim said the family parties would be missed with everyone coming on. She said “My friends from the south who usually come for parties will stay at home. The neighbors would come every year and they would stay away too. It will be a very quiet Christmas.”
Ved Madkaikar from Ponda said this year he would miss the midnight mass , the parties with family and friends and the general good time that was usually had every time. He said “It is a scary time and people are not wearing masks and that is very worrying. Till the vaccine comes out, it is better to be safe than sorry”.
Clesito Fernandes, an IT professional from Fatorda preferred to answer in rhyme. In a message he wrote” This Christmas is a unique n special, one. Less of parties, but more Family time,Less of Christmas decor, but more Christ centric. Real meaning of Christmas will be felt this year. This years Christmas Equation is Family Togetherness×(LOVE+JOY) = Christmas 2020!” He went to say that he would miss the trips going around seeing the cribs, Christmas eastas, Christmas get-together at churches and weeklong celebrations/parties at various locations.
Melody Pereira also from Fatorda laughed and said she missed her trips abroad and would certainly miss the dances and the entertainment. She said “I live in a joint family and so there are people but we have relatives who come from abroad who have had to stay away. The kids would have their cousins over now all that will be missing. It is always nice to have a full house filled with laughter and joy. I will certainly miss that”
One can only hope this Christmas will be an aberration and meant to be consigned to memory while drawing lessons on togetherness and values at the same time.
