As 2020 is drawing it’s chapter to a close in a couple of days, it’s time to recount the bombshell of a year that has been!

Our Families, their love, support and the memories of the bygone good times are what has kept most of us going this year. 2020 has been far from different for most of us as were all the festive seasons and holidays.

A wild, wacky whirlwind which tossed us about in directions we never dreamt of. This holiday season was more about showing love and compassion than opening presents and gifts.

 While some were barely surviving to bring food to the table, the shocking loss of jobs for some, their homes for some, loss of loved ones to isolation or to the pandemic itself, made me realize that it may not be the happiest, jolliest time for all.

Also, the separation from family spanning oceans and continents had made a large percentage of people lonely, sad and anxious.Would it be appropriate for me to send cards or wish seasons greetings, Merry Christmas or even Happy Holidays??– the hesitation and confusion were niggling like a thorn at the back of my mind all the time.

Meanwhile, over the past few days, I’ve come across documentaries of various accounts of courageous people who are holding up under these grueling circumstances where they have said that they can’t afford a Christmas tree this time, decent meal for the family or even fly home for the holidays for reunions.

 While they are at it, barely scraping through to make ends meet, gifts and presents were not even on their list this Christmas. They watched the disappointed looks of their children with a helplessness which knew no measure. But they are resilient albeit in the dismal face of things and trying hard to keep a smile on their faces in the spirit of the season. I’m more than proud of them and their tribe❤️. May they know joy soon.

For all those who are not adversely affected by this dire situation and are wrapping presents for loved ones, cooking piping hot dinners, preparing desserts, cakes, puddings and pies, washing utensils and clearing up after, consider it a blessing, not a chore. For, not all have the good fortune of having a family around, roof over their heads, and the means to celebrate even with the downward spiral during this world wide chaos. Gratitude goes a long way here.

While we wait, watch and wonder when things will get back on track, Hope is the one thing which keeps us all going. Positivity and prayers too go hand in hand.

We have all shared, cared, done our bit in our own ways to give our moral support or extended a kind word or hand. It is the worst of times, which has brought out the best of humane streaks in most of us.

Though it was a sombre environment during all the festive seasons for the most of 2020, nevertheless, I wish for everyone to have peace in their hearts and fortitude in their spirit. Better times will come. They always do! May 2021 bring us all the much needed Peace, Calm, Security and restoration of good health of the human race.

Sending you all Prayers, Love and Good thoughts✨

God Bless us all.

—-Sangeetha Kamath