For many of us 2020 is the year that we would rather forget as the world is currently facing a global pandemic. However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make the most of celebrating Christmas.
While parties are out of the question there are many small things that can provide joy, from the twinkling lights on Christmas trees to the festive music playing in shops. One thing that always warms the heart is the way people across the country dress their windows. You turn a corner on just about any dark street in Malta and Gozo and suddenly, before you, is the most wonderful sight – a brightly lit crib, displayed with pride. Children love it, and so do grown-ups. However old we are, the magic never quite goes away.
We can be grateful at Christmas for the things that have gone well. Family and neighbours looked out for each other during the pandemic. Health workers and others on the front line were there for those in need. And we should not forget the scientists who have produced the ultimate Christmas gift, a vaccine, which they are presenting to the world.
The vaccination programme will begin immediately after Christmas and even though it will take months to complete, we can all look forward to brighter days ahead. Grandparents may not be able to hug their grandchildren this year but at least they know they will be able to do so next Christmas. We can’t fly away on holiday now, but we know that this will be possible again soon. And even if there are no parties this season, we know we will be able to make up for it twelve months from now.
Among the things I am grateful for in government are the way all stakeholders came together to save jobs and ensure businesses remained sustainable. The COVID Wage Supplement has proved vital, and means Malta is in a good position to bounce back. In my field, revenue from our residence and citizenship initiatives has been used to provide more and better social housing, new equipment at Mater Dei and the revitalisation of health centres. These are improvements that touch people’s lives. I was particularly delighted that we could give a €5 million grant to Puttinu Cares for the purchase of flats in central London, close to Great Ormand Street Hospital. Life will be so much easier for families needing to be close to a sick relative receiving treatment in the U.K.
Christmas time is also when we put our differences behind us. It reminds me of the story from the First World War when British and Germans troops laid down their arms on Christmas Day to play football in no man’s land between the trenches. The last thing any Maltese want at Christmas is to see politicians arguing with other, so in that spirit I wish a Merry Christmas to everyone, without exception. If someone has different views to our own, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t wish them a healthy and peaceful Christmas with their families.
Alex Muscat is an MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship and Communities.