Something neither Santa Claus, God nor the Universal Power can provide. Our family and grandchildren are separated from us by vast oceans and sadly we won’t be with them this Xmas, like many other families around the globe. This will be the first Xmas we have spent in Ireland for many many years. Usually, we are with our lovely daughter and son-in-law in Arizona, or all of us in Cape Town, relishing being together, spending quality time with our five grandchildren, our two sons and two daughters (in-law), and of course the rest of the South African family.
Christmas is a sad time for many people, either mourning the loss of a loved one, or being on their own. This year, 2020, the year of COVID-19, many more people worldwide are grief-stricken at the death of a family member or friend, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to decimate a world we felt safe in. Someone special may be missing, or perhaps seriously ill in hospital and not allowed to have visitors. Many more will be isolated, alone, and fearful. A time of year associated with celebration and joy has been hijacked by this unexpected virus and restricted where we go and how we live.
Not many of us will be allowed to sit around the table and partake of the celebratory Xmas meal, sharing stories, and jokes, and the laughter rising up from deep within us all. Churches will be open, but the congregation cannot exceed 50.
And what about the Xmas traditions of Carol Singing, or popping into friends’ homes to wish them well, or strolling around Xmas markets enjoying the ambience. Events we took for granted are now effectively banned. How can we create some sense of normality this Xmas?
If possible plan to ensure no-one is alone. We have all the benefits of social media. Use them. Create Skype or Zoom Xmas carols and share prayers of gratitude. Share Xmas lunches via the same medium. What fun that will be! A new way of wining and dining. Lift a glass of vino or juice and wish each other well. Pay tribute to all the medics and carers who are working, ensuring those who are ill are looked after. Right now, they are the angels in our lives.
Missing you both so much Mamo and Grandpa !
THIS CHRISTMAS
I can’t be with you,
But be assured
You are forever in my thoughts,
And deeply entwined in my heart.
No matter how many miles separate us,
My arms reach out to embrace you,
And I hold dear all that you have given me,
Especially your love.
This Christmas,
I send you all my love,
And hold you close to my heart.
©Helena Abrahams
MY CROCK OF GOLD
Recently my value skyrocketed on the Nasdaq index. I’ve found the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow. SSHH! Actually, I’ve held it in my heart for years and it never stops growing. So, what can possibly be more precious than gold? What brings joy to my life on a daily basis? Our children, of course. Watching them grow and develop over the years, finding their path in life and being as kooky as their dad has been a wonderful gift.
Dear children, I wanted to give you all a special present, something that will grow exponentially. (I’ve always wanted to use that word). First, I want to thank you all for being so amazing and for adding two very special daughters in law and a ‘wunderkind’ son in law to our family, and of course gorgeous, talented, and creative grandchildren, not forgetting Monty the dog with his own hiking shoes. We are totally blessed. I want to thank you for sharing your daily lives, your stories, your laughter. For sharing your love of life. I want to thank you all for being indubitably unique: loving, kind, true to yourselves and all you believe in. You’re all a force to be reckoned with, therefore there is only one gift I can give you the Xmas and that is….
THE GIFT OF LOVE
My special gift to you this Christmas
Is not wrapped up in gold foil or glitter,
It is a treasure
which you have given me over and over again,
It is a treasure which is unparalleled,
It is the gift of Love
which you give me unstintingly,
I return it to you,
Ten-fold and more.
©Helena Abrahams
COVID-19 RE-IMAGINED
Treat yourself this Xmas. Your home is your oasis. Make it a place where you can recharge mentally and physically. Recreate your living room and bedroom with comfort and colour. Soft throws. Colourful cushions. Candle lit. The kind of space that makes you smile and purr with contentment when you enter.
Courage – It takes a lot of courage to remain calm in the face of a storm, but courageous we must be. This is the time to rely on that inner strength we all possess and have the courage to remain calm no matter how difficult it is. We can’t change the current scenario, but we can change how we deal with it. .
Overture – Led by your inner music imagine this time to be a curtain raiser, the harbinger of good news and of a new life. This is a time of learning how to live a different life.
Visionary – Be a visionary and imagine how the world is changing and developing. Look beyond the here and now and perceive the positive aspects and the long-term plan. The rainbow after the rain. And remember to wear your mask with pride.
Illuminating – That is You. You are the light that shines. The light that guides. The light that illuminates everyone and everything around you.
Discovery – Make every day one of discovery. Invest in a few A11 exercise books and write down your thoughts. Write random words or ones that rhyme. There are no rules. Just let your imagination flow and discover the inner you. Choose to hear and choose to see. Choose to be creative and choose to free your inner voice.
19 – This number refers to the year 2019, on December 31st which is when the World Health Organization were informed. Likewise, Covid is simply an acronym – CoronaVirusDisease. We tend to think in terms of days or weeks or months when we plan a new project or make the elusive New Year’s Resolution list.
Your challenge which can start now is to achieve 19 goals between now and 31st December 2021. It may be as simple as reading one of the classics, learning Tai Chi, Yoga, or any other martial art via UTUBE. You might decide to dance once day for 10 minutes. Learn a song.
Write a verse. Tidy your sock drawer (regularly). So, put on your thinking cap and write down 19 mini-projects, or big projects if you prefer, goals you will achieve. Discard the ‘I’ve always wanted to do but…’ negative thinking. ‘Can Do and Will Do’ is your new mantra. Enjoy!
DROP THE ‘C’
OVID 43BC – 017AD. This Roman poet who lived during the reign of Augustus has left us wonderful words of wisdom and encouragement.
“Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.”
“There is nothing constant in the universe. All ebb and flow, and every shape’s that’s born, bears in its womb the seeds of change.”
“My hopes are not always realized, but I always hope.”
“All other creatures look down towards the earth, but man was given a face so that he might turn his eyes towards the stars and gaze upon the sky.”
And to prove his point, ensure you gaze up at the sky on 21st December 2020, when Saturn and Jupiter will be so close to each other they could form one huge star. It’s been named the Star of Bethlehem and last occurred in 1226. What a wonderful way to end the year.
December 21st: How to see the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ – rare astronomical event likened to Nativity! – HITC
I have written two novels available on Amazon
