In a few days it will be Christmas once again. This Christmas will be so different from any that we’ve ever known. For many of us, there will be no gathering, no crowds of people, no shared feast, and for some even no traveling to be near family. We are all on highest alert. In order to protect those we hold dearest, we must stay away. We aren’t good at that. We naturally wish to convene and share joy and love and hope this time of year. We want to shower each other with gifts and hug and laugh together. Covid has stolen so much from us all.

I will be traveling to see family. I have gone no where but home and work for the past few weeks. I wear my mask. I disinfect my office daily. And yet I know there still could be a window for this virus to sneak through. It’s a game of odds. Babcia is 78, and I have a newborn grandson to think of. I will wear a mask when with them and keep my distance. There will be no hugs. Christmas will be scaled down this year. I will at least be able to see them. There will be no visits from friends. In order to protect them we must be vigilant.

We will all be thinking of Christmases past. We will all miss the human touch. We will long for a deep hug. But at the risk of never seeing a loved one again, a hug seems a small sacrifice to make. Our love for them is greater than our need for that hug. This year I pray for those who must be alone. Some will have no visits at all. Some will be in hospitals or nursing homes away from everyone and everything familiar. I pray for their comfort and for good health in their futures.

I cannot imagine a life without Babcia. She is the heart and soul of our family. I cannot bear the thought of bringing harm to my grandson. He is so new and sweet and deserves a healthy start in this life. So we will follow the rules as much as we wish we didn’t have to. All we do, we do for them. I wish all of you the merriest Christmas holiday possible under the circumstances. I also have one more wish.

Santa, please… keep us all safe and healthy at Christmas and in the coming year. And please, eradicate Covid-19 so that we can all be ourselves as we once were, and so that we can hold the ones we love and never let go.

Merry Christmas one and all.