Christmas is around the corner and the shopping season is currently in full swing, even if the once-bustling streets of Valletta, Sliema and other areas are less crowded this time round.

It goes without saying that this will not be a normal Christmas, with shopping, events and the usual festivities highly restricted by the pandemic.

But this Covid Christmas could serve as an opportunity for each and every one of us to help local businesses and economic sectors by shopping local and by participating in annual Christmastime events virtually.

Many local businesses produce their own products, such as jewellery, gourmet food, clothing and home décor, all of which can make for wonderful Christmas presents.

This is made easier by the fact that many local businesses have fully adapted to the pandemic and have geared up for online retail and for delivery services.

As the economy minister put it in an opinion piece published on Sunday, “This is a great opportunity to recognise local talent and give a completely new and appreciative meaning to the term ‘Made in Malta’; be it artisan products or retail websites that have been set up and bolstered in a bid to adapt during the times of the pandemic.” 

Many catering establishments are also offering delivery of full Christmas or New Year’s Day meals, giving families the opportunity of having a mouth watering lunch without the hassle of shopping and cooking, which leaves more time to be spent with loved ones.

We also encourage people to support local artists who have had to cancel a myriad of events this year but who have worked hard to move their performances online this Christmas.

This includes anything from concerts, to plays to Christmas pantos. While nothing can replace the feeling of being there in person, this is the next best thing, given the circumstances. One can still enjoy and support our artists from the comfort and safety of our homes.

We must also remember that this is not only a time for shopping and enjoyment, but also a time to show some true Christmas spirit and altruism with the less fortunate. Over the coming weeks, a number of charity fundraisers will be taking place, albeit this year they will be streamed live on TV and social media.

These include l-Istrina, the main fundraising event for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, which helps sick and vulnerable persons in all sorts of ways. This includes paying for ultra-expensive cancer medication, covering accommodation costs for people receiving specialised care abroad and helping people suffering from rare diseases.

This year’s event will not be the same. People will not be invited to visit the studio, and there will be fewer hosts on location providing entertainment or answering the phones. But the donations system will not be affected. People have always been able to phone in their donations and, in this regard, l-Istrina won’t change. Our appeal is for the public to show the same generosity we are renowned for.

Let us make up for the fundraising lost as a result of cancelled activities, such as the annual President’s fun run and other concerts and mass activities. Let’s all pitch in and give a helping hand to those for whom Covid-19 is the least of their Christmas worries.