Wow, what a year.
At this point in 2020, I think most of us can share in that opinion. It’s made for an interesting Christmas season, without a doubt.
The other night, my daughter, sister and I sat down to watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” It wasn’t the animated classic, but was the live-action film starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch.
Because I seem to be unable to turn off my mind, I thought about the original Dr. Seuss and the lessons that came from it. I talk about lessons a lot, I’ve noticed. But I digress.
The point of the story is that the Grinch tries to take Christmas away, without realizing that Christmas isn’t about the gifts, the glitter, the music, the parties, the feasts, or the decorations. The true meaning of Christmas, in religion, as we all know is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. It means, too, giving to the poor and needy without the expectation of receiving anything in return.
And it’s a good time to count one’s blessings, especially in the middle of a global pandemic.
It’s been a year of great loss in so many ways. Economic loss from the forced closure of businesses has caused hardships untold for so many. Emotional loss from the forced separation of people has taken away even the comfort of a hug, or a handshake. Physical loss from this virus taking the lives of so many, and even taking away the comfort of gathering together to mourn the loss of a loved one.
Celebrating Christmas without being surrounded by loved ones is painful. However, it is sadly necessary.
“Blame the governor!” is a common cry. I suppose it’s human nature to seek a tangible “target” for one’s ire. At the same time, if the virus were a wildfire — something that could be seen spreading and endangering others — would the seemingly untenable actions of Gov. Tom Wolf really be that onerous?
Christmas shopping this year took on a different look for most. When talking to others, I’ve heard a surprising number of people looking for family activities — games, crafts, movies, books and the like.
Most have less money to devote to Christmas, and are searching for gifts with more meaning. Gift certificates to local businesses and restaurants, while often criticized for being a gift without thought for the recipient, this year are a kind, thoughtful and mutually beneficial gift. These businesses, through no fault of their own, are experiencing hardships like never before. The gift certificates mean not only a happy recipient, but also a thankful business owner able to keep holding on a little longer, praying to still be open when the pandemic is over.
When I count my blessings, it’s usually self-centered. I am blessed with a wonderful, fun and amazing daughter; a loving family, wonderful friends and so on. This year, I realized the blessings in the community are many, and I would encourage others to look around, too.
The Friendship Table had to close temporarily. Local businesses stepped up to the plate to make sure no one went hungry. We’ve seen this type of thing over and over this year, the kindness, the generosity, the selflessness of helpers.
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce found a way to make a Christmas parade happen. And the joy it brought to so many was heartwarming. Vehicles stretched for miles, waiting for their turn to drive through the “backwards parade.”
Santa got an emergency responders’ escort through neighborhoods in the City of Bradford.
While 2020 has been a difficult year, it sort of reminded me of the movie The Grinch. Not because anyone “stole Christmas,” but because right now, we’re like the Whos down in Whoville, waking up to find all the trappings of Christmas are gone.
What we do next is up to us. As the Whos sang, “Fahoo fores, dahoo dores, Welcome Christmas bring your cheer … Christmas day will always be, just so long as we have we.”
(Marcie Schellhammer is The Era’s assistant managing editor. She can be reached at marcie@bradfordera.com.)
