In Which We Hunker Down At Home

No, Christmas isn’t canceled. 

Word came down on Monday from our provincial health officer that current restrictions are in place at least until January 8. There are to be no gatherings of any size with people outside our immediate household in our homes. 

Regardless of circumstance or opinion, it’s still something of a blow. Who could have imagined it? But we needn’t imagine. It’s happened in the past, hasn’t it? Christmas hasn’t always been what it’s become, and I mean nothing by that except that it has looked different in different times. 

I’ve noticed how some folks are decorating more and others less. Me? I put our non traditional trees up set out some candles for Advent, and that’s it. I’m doing nothing else. 

I think it is hardest for families with children—especially single parents. Explaining why A is okay but B isn’t, and why they can see this person at this place but not at another place is mind-boggling for both parents and children. For single parents, who don’t have the luxury of tag-teaming with the other parent, it’s harder than hard. (Our daughter is in that position so I know this to be true.)

Around here, we’re hunkering down with the dogs. It’s started raining which makes walks less attractive, but we’ll take them when we can. We have books and a jigsaw puzzle and food and an online portal to the world “out there” (though, for our mental health it’s wise to set limits there). 

It’s dark, but we have light. It’s cold, but we have heat. It’s confusing, but we have peace (well, most of the time).

This has turned into a rambling post without a concrete point—discombobulated, like 2020. Kind of fitting, yes?

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” 

Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

P.S. I posted a Wordless Wednesday photo on my other blog. https://lindahoye.com/almost-wordless-wednesday/