This week marks the traditional start of Christmas festivities. A time when towns and cities bustle and burst, where shoppers are greeted by Christmas carols, however nauseatingly repetitive; shop windows are festooned with fairy lights, draped haphazardly to produce that festive glow; and of course, there is always a traditional Christmas market with that smell of spice and sugar.
There is nothing quite like it. Good cheer, a time for that annual drink in the pub with a friend of 40 years, work parties where someone always gets that little bit merrier than usual, lighting ceremonies where people gather to join in the holiday cheer. Yes, a magical time to rejoice and relax.
Enter Covid-19 in the year 2020. A year like no other in our recent memory. A year which has seen a dramatic loss of human life, and also of livelihood; challenges to the way we work, socialise, travel, connect. Thus it may be a Christmas in which we struggle, when we may find it difficult to meet the demands, not just of our children's Santa list, but all that has traditionally made our Christmas special - whether that is going to Mass, or enjoying the reunion with family members or extended family.
In a year in which so much has changed, however desirable, however deserving, however we so yearn to return to what was normal, it is not possible - yet. But what we can do is appreciate life, in respect of those 2069 Irish people who have lost theirs to Covid-19; of the 73,000 people who have contracted the disease and whose lives may never be the same; of grandparents who have been unable to hug their grandchildren for 10 months; of aunties and uncles who have never met their new nieces and nephews; and of families who never had the opportunity to say goodbye to those they loved and lost.
We can also stay the course. As retailers and restaurants re-open, it is expected footfall in Galway will accelerate, so we must still avoid temptation - of crowds, closed spaces and contact.
We have been given the responsibility to enjoy greater freedom, but not to abuse it. Christmas is often described as a holiday and holy day, of lights and twinkle, to rejoice and renew; frosty outside but warmhearted inside; a feast and family. And that has not changed. So let's mask up, be cautious, be careful, be charitable, and be thankful.
