Warmest Holiday Wishes

Where to even begin? These last months have been beyond imagining, and it’s hard to process all that is happening and continues to unfold. I think it’s going to take quite some time to truly make sense of the events of the past year, but reflecting back on 2020, and on this day of the Winter Solstice, a few words come immediately to my mind:

Optimism: That despite the challenges ahead, there is resilience and a wellspring of determination to support economic and social development and recovery, particularly among communities and sectors hardest-hit by the global pandemic.

Longing: To hold hands and be together with friends, family and loved ones. There is long list of hugs to be given.

Anguish and Resolve: At the differential and increasing disparities here in Canada and around the world. To make a difference by giving, working, witnessing, naming and disrupting injustice and inequality.

Hope: That with the arrival of the first shipments and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines, we have turned an important corner. That the lessons we’ve learned through this pandemic will result in meaningful, lasting change and growth in building a better future.

Gratitude: To be safe, to be well, to love, and be loved.

The words to one of my favourite holiday songs, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, have never felt more apt. Especially the line “someday soon we all will be together” – we’ve been waiting a long time for that. This song has been recorded by numerous artists, but I think Ella Fitzgerald’s version is the best:

“Someday soon we all will be together

If the fates allow.

Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow,

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”

However you celebrate, here’s to a peaceful, restful and joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year filled with love, good health, positive change, hope, and joy.