2020 has been a particularly challenging year for everyone, as the Covid-19 pandemic turned what we all once considered to be normal on its head.
The end of the year brings with it a particularly challenging period, as people must accept that it will not be a normal or usual holiday period. Indeed quite the opposite.
This week saw the official launch of Black Friday, and as has been the trend throughout 2020, online shopping will likely be the shopping method of choice for many. In all honesty it probably should be. Nobody wants to see shops packed with shoppers, the last thing this country needs right now are crowds. Many people will use this time to start, if not complete, their Christmas shopping list.
Businesses must make the most of the Christmas period and adapt to online shopping where possible to help themselves stay alive. Innovation is key during this trying period. In the meantime the government has extended the wage supplement and must continue to support those sectors which are unable to operate due to the virus, such as the events sector and hotels. After all, they will be crucial for Malta’s tourism recovery when the time comes.
People have already begun decorating their houses, and, although early, seeing lit up Santas blinking in windows and Christmas ornaments hung helps bring about that festive feeling. This Christmas does not have to be all gloom due to the pandemic, but that does not mean we can go about as though nothing is different.
Christmas parties, for example, are unlikely to take place unless at restaurants and, of course, with tables divided so that no large groups would form. Nobody should get any bright ideas to throw any large Christmas parties in their own private homes either. Think about others, those who are on the frontline, the elderly whose emotional suffering is increased due to their inability to meet their loved ones. The sooner the pandemic is over the better it will get for them, so we should all do our part to help ease the situation.
This Christmas will see more families spend time together, perhaps more home cooked meals. This can be an opportunity for families to bond even more, watch Christmas movies and experience Christmas the old fashioned way. A number of people are also working from home, which will mean more time spent with their children. There is nothing quite like Christmas for children.
This period will, however, be difficult on the elderly in care homes. Families must make extra effort to contact their loved ones frequently. Keeping in touch and the daily phone call could mean a world of difference for them. Care homes must also do what they can to keep their morale high.
After Christmas comes New Year. Moreso than Christmas, New Year’s Eve celebrations will be completely different, or rather should be different. Here’s to hoping the government does not get any idiotic ideas to hold events that will incite people to gather or allow New Year’s Eve parties to occur. We cannot have a repeat of last summer as if the government were to allow any such events it would only increase the risk of the virus spreading.