So—this past year we had a lame Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Between lockdowns, restricted visitation, and difficulty getting traditional foods, those dates didn’t feel like a celebration. And maybe we won’t have a “normal” holiday until the end of 2021.
But it’s not all bad news. Perhaps we ought to see this as a study in contrasts. For example, this new year may feel more joyous because of last year’s lacks. I certainly hope so!
There’s a certain amount of frenzy that accompanies holidays, especially Christmas. There are so many preparations—decorating, gift buying and wrapping, cooking and baking—plus more school and social events than usual. Not in 2020, however. I’m wondering if an ideal holiday might fall between this forced austerity and the excesses of the past.
Maybe we need to focus on more spiritual aspects. There are several important dates at the end of the year: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, the Christian Christmas among them. Sometimes these observances get short-shrift, which is a shame. Quiet reflections can be calming, even profound. While we may not have had traditional songs and communal prayers in 2020, or had them in person, there’s still an opportunity to celebrate in a meaningful way with our own ceremonies.
In times like this, we have to sort out what is and isn’t important. Maybe it’s not a bad thing to go without, if just to appreciate what we had.
