12 Days of Christmas: A Strange Calm
I don’t like rollercoasters at the best of times, and this year has had more than its fair share of ups and downs, but as I write our annual Christmas update and look back at 2020, I have so much to be thankful for.
I know for many people it has been a truly terrible year. Families have suffered very much. I thank God that our family are all still here. As lockdown was announced, we were grateful we could work from home. Once we knew our adult sons were safe and staying where they were, a strange calm descended. Home became a haven. Many of the obligations of our everyday busy lives fell away, and it was just us, a magical time — long walks, surreptitious picnics, decorating, gardening, naps in the sun, days to savour.
We discovered a hunger to keep in touch, to stay connected. Our daily walks and nervous conversations with neighbours were precious. I am a very social creature and had some struggles with the restrictions. Family zoom calls became a weekly highlight, offering more regular connections than we have had in years. Postcards, phone calls, videocall coffees and wine Wednesdays became essential and strengthened ties to friends and family. Online church and zoom bible study kept me connected to my church family and helped keep me anchored to God.
But I missed my boys. Oh, happy day one late May Saturday as we travelled empty roads, over wild sunlit moorland, to bring one son home from university. Then with the unlocking in July a joyous reunion with the other. Together again. Happy Mama.
There have been great disappointments, of course. My sister’s long-planned visit from New Zealand was cancelled. On the plus side when I could not sleep, and often woke too early, she was always ready, in another time zone, for a long-distance heart to heart from the other side of the world.
After all the gatherings that could not happen, those that did became so much more poignant. As restrictions lifted we cherished a visit to see one friend in her new seaside home and share an icy dip, had garden picnics with family members and were able to share memories and tears with other friends who have lost loved ones this year.
To our astonishment and delight, it also happened that our long-planned family holiday to Wales could go ahead. We were even able to travel to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and wander old familiar paths in the autumn splendour of the Derbyshire Peak District.
So as Christmas approaches and we make bizarre plans for a drive-in Carols by Car Light service and online parties, I give thanks to having so many joyous memories, steppingstones that carried us through. I pray that, for each of us, there will be hope and light ahead, truly tidings of comfort and of joy.
Written by Judith Brashaw
Judith has always been an enthusiastic reader, and is excited about trying her hand at writing.