Thursday 3 December 2020

CHRISTMAS


This will be the strangest and saddest Christmas for many folk. The Covid19 Virus has impacted on family and social life with a huge bang.

In Germany where I live and no doubt in many other countries in our world, Christmas is very much a family get-together time. Attending church services, sharing gifts, and enjoying a special festive meal is an integral part of the festive season.

I will miss the small Christmas Market which takes place each year in our small town. Warm scarves, caps and gloves and cosy jackets are the winter apparel. The delicious smell of roasted almonds, and sizzling grilled sausages make one's mouth water. Meeting friends one hasn't seen for a while and warming our hands around a glass of mulled wine is an absolute joy. My heart goes out to the stall holders who will not be making any money this year. There are normally stalls with homemade jams, biscuits, knitwear and jewellery. I always manage to find special and unusual Christmas gifts for friends.

We are fortunate in that we are able to go for walks in the beautiful farming area and the forests which surround us. This is not the case in several other countries and folk are confined to small apartments. I think especially of the elderly who are so often alone and the young families with small children. There are many folk who are lying in hospital beds attached to tubes and machines as those brave carers and medical staff do their best to help them survive the virus. I think about them especially and wish them well.

I have just had news from a friend in Hamburg , a beautiful city in which we lived when we first came to Germany. She and her husband have both been tested for Covid19 and the results are positive. I wish them  well and may the symptoms be light and recovery speedy.

Despite the sadness, the loss and the fear, Christmas is still a time of giving and thankfulness. I wish all my readers, wherever you are in the world, that you and your families may be spared and that you stay healthy and positive.

I have learned one thing during lockdown and that is; there is always something creative we can do. Whether you are an artist, a writer, musician, crafter, or in fact every one of us,  there are ways we can improve our skills or learn a new one.

May you enjoy PEACE, HEALTH and perhaps discover a new and exciting path in your lives. 

Warm hugs from chilly Bavaria. 

CHAMMI


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