Zooming-Into Christmas

Christy truly begins at home this Season

Just a few weeks ago we lit clay deyas in homes across our country in celebration of the Hindu festival of Divali, emblems of light overcoming the darkness. Now, we are beginning to see light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, almost a year after the emergence of the Coronavirus. Our spirits have been lifted with the advent of eleven COVID-19 vaccines currently in Phase 3 of clinical trials, along with no less than thirty-seven more in the early phases.

As soon as next month in some countries, vaccinations may be administered to front-line health care workers and high-risk members of the population. At home our Minister of Health has spoken of the on-going preparations to receive and disseminate the vaccine in tiered-phases. However, in the midst of this good news we must stay focussed on continuing to reduce the spread of the virus by wearing masks, sanitizing frequently and social distancing. The latter has become increasingly difficult with the onset of “Coronavirus fatigue” and the launch of our seasonal celebrations of Eid, Divali, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Yet now more than ever we have to keep our eyes on the prize of reducing transmission and saving lives. It’s been challenging especially at our bank, where we treasure celebrating our multi-cultural milestones together. We are a close-knit culture that works hard and understands the importance of tradition, but this year we must change, if not just for ourselves, to protect our colleagues, neighbours and family members.

Ironically, with the progress on the medical front, we have seen an almost exponential surge in global COVID-19 infections and deaths across the USA, UK and Europe. At home, while we have recognised the direct link between physical, mental and financial health and reduced the community spread of the disease, we must still be on the alert. Christmas is fast approaching and we all can feel the excitement, yet without being morbid, the reality is that unless we want to follow this season with one of sadness, we have to stay within our “family bubbles”.

Although we may not be able to welcome our wider network of friends, family or even the Paranderos into our home this year, there are virtual alternatives. Many organisations are hosting online staff Christmas parties via their platform of choice be it Zoom, Skype or Google. And for those university students or family members unable to travel home for the holidays, families are scheduling times to decorate the tree together, make ponche-a-crème or pastelles, sing carols and open gifts virtually. Fortunately, our places of worship have re-opened as well as our beaches, parks and rivers.

In our family, we have made new traditions of weekend discoveries of new hiking trails, as well as simply enjoying a simple shark and bake at Maracas. This is an opportunity for you to also create new traditions, while you unwind, meditate and recharge. You may want to share your good fortune and donate to those less fortunate who may have lost their jobs this year and are in need of food and clothing. Whatever you choose – please have a safe, joyful, charitable Christmas. Enjoy the season and I look forward to continuing our conversation in the New Year.