He directs films and has earned accolades for his work. Milroy
Goes smiled and said the pandemic had taught everyone to appreciate Christmas
better. Milroy said “This year Christmas is going to be special. Firstly
due to the pandemic several traditional festive programs have been cancelled.
So, it gives me a good reason to plan something exciting with the family. Every
year for Christmas, it is me and my younger brother Rohan going for parties.
Last Christmas I celebrated with my sister in London, and this year I’m home
for Christmas with all my brothers”. He felt it would be the same for most
Goans since everyone loved parties. He said “Back in the day as a kid we used
to have grand parties during Christmas hosting dinner and wine parties. It’s
happening again, I’m glad this Christmas is going to be a very homely Christmas
and it’s always the best this way. I have no regrets if traditional dance
parties stay cancelled, we can always dance at home to beautiful
songs”.
Stacy Almeida said her family tree looks better than her
Christmas tree this year as the branches were all close together. She said
“Last Christmas was about pomp and show, this year you can literally feel the
inner glow. No one could steal the gifts Santa brought this year, because they
were priceless”.
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Adriel Almeida said the season of Christmas invokes a sense of
caring, compassion, joy, cheerfulness, moreover sharing and all other good
things. He said “The pandemic has opened the eyes of many people as to how they
perceive things; definitely it has thought us to value and appreciate many
things. But irrespective of whether we are dwelling in the time of a pandemic
or not, Christmas is the time where everyone knows the essence it holds. And to
appreciate this particular season more, the ongoing circumstances may have
triggered many but the season itself teaches us time and again to appreciate whatever
we have. It is true that many have come closer to God, many have increased
their time of prayer during this pandemic and that is very good as we get ready
to welcome Christ.”
Renitaa Monteiro admitted the pandemic has made her experience
Christmas better on a deeper level. She said “I have learned so much during the
lockdown period. It has taught me some lessons that are worth learning, I’ve
learnt to be grateful for everything, every little thing. It has also taught me
how to not take things for granted.”
Venita Gomes a student in Nuvem said the pandemic had made
people very nervous and uncertain about a lot of things in life however it was
these festivals and celebrations that kept these anxieties at bay. She said “I
am sure people will celebrate Christmas today with more fun and enthusiasm. At
the beginning of Advent you could see people preparing for Christmas with more
neighbours and family coming together. People understood the importance of
family and near and dear ones and they will strive to make the most out of it
this year. A lot of people made sure they do most of the traditional sweets,
stars and cribs. So, the pandemic will definitely not dampen the Christmas
spirit, I guess”.
Valarie Carvalho said the pandemic had taught everyone the
importance of simplicity and gratefulness. She said “This Christmas is going to
be very different comparatively, we will definitely have quality Christmas time
with the family. Also, for those whose families are away, they should be
grateful that they, along with their families have been safe and made it this
far”.
Perhaps Agnelo D souza put it best when he said it would be
quality time with family like every other year. Christmas he said was always
about family though he admitted he would miss socializing with friends and
going for dances.
This year will be a more intimate affair as everyone decides to
spend time with family. Everyone has decided to lean on the side of safety and
common sense and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas.
