“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters but who is around it”.

Charlie Brown

2020 has been a very hard year for the whole wide world. As eager as we all are to turn the page and welcome 2021, we are saddened by the fact that this year we cannot have whoever we want around the Christmas tree with us.

If you live in Lebanon, COVID is one reason, the economic crisis is another and the Beirut explosion is another. Many families will not be able to celebrate Christmas with their children, others lost their homes or got seriously injured. Despite all these atrocities, the Lebanese people are known to be like the phoenix bird who rises from ashes. All our support and solidarity go to the Lebanese people who will rise again.

The pandemic might have given us a break to reassess our lives and priorities this year, but it has taken from us even more. Among the most important things COVID has taken from me is my freedom to interact with my friends and family.

We have all waited all year round for the Christmas season to enjoy it with friends and loved ones, unfortunately, the COVID seems to be worse than the Grinch, in the end, the Grinch’s heart grew 3 times big! COVID’s heart is getting darker and darker

While we have learned this year that if we cannot change circumstances why not change our attitude towards these circumstances.

I find myself challenging you and challenge myself during week 44 of #Chantals2020WeeklyChallenge to enjoy the Christmas cheer no matter the circumstances.

No matter where you are, who you are, what you are passing through, remember
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love” Hamilton Wright Mabie

“Christmas my child is love in action” – Dave Evans

So for this Christmas season here’s how we can enjoy the Christmas cheer:

1. Get your journal and start trying to make peace with yourself and the whole pandemic situation and all the changes it had brought upon the season this year
2. Then make a reflection of what Christmas means to you
3. Make a list of how you can enjoy the Christmas cheer during the pandemic (more about that below)
4. Then start to have fun

Here’s how you can celebrate Christmas during the pandemic or through social distancing

• Order online gifts as you reduce contact. While you are at it, support local businesses
• Connect with your extended family through a video call
• If you cannot see your friends, try to make a virtual Christmas party
• Cook with your family
• Bake your favorite Christmas cookies, chocolate, pies, and whatever you fancy eating through the holidays
• Have hot chocolate with marshmallows
• Watch some Christmas movies
• Make some Christmas crafts
• Play Christmas activities with your family members
• Make a DIY spa day and take care of yourself like never before
• Just take a break and remember, one of the best Christmas memories we all have was staying at home during the Christmas break

Do Not Forget to

• Exercise
• Try to maintain as much of a healthy diet as possible
• Maintain or slightly adjust your daily routines

Don’t forget to pray and remember to give from your heart no matter what it is you are gaining, what goes around comes back around!

Merry Christmas to you!