What a strange Christmas season! I have to admit that we often have Christmas to ourselves now that our children are grown up with homes and children of their own. Our first Christmas away from family was in 2004 when we spent it in Cuba. It was a year when our children were spending Christmas with their in-laws. Then, we were in China for four Christmases as I taught in a Chinese university.
Those years, we used Skype to connect. Then another Christmas out-of-country in 2017 when we were in Ecuador, another in-law year. However, technology has always been there for us to bridge the distance. But this year, we are home. Before the Covid19 pandemic reared it’s ugly head, we had already made the decision to be home for this Christmas, and for next Christmas as well.
I guess in a way, we have learned, as a family, to bridge distance. It was something that had to be learned at some point. This was going to be our year to host our family for Christmas. With borders closed and lockdowns in place, we are turning back to technology to make our Christmas connections.
It all began today with watching the youngest grandchildren open their gifts from their grandparents. The big celebration comes on Boxing Day was everyone will gather together using the “Room” feature of Messenger. We used Zoom for Easter and had a few issues with the time limitations that “Room” will avoid. Of course, we have tested it out with just about everyone.
There is a real sense of togetherness using technology. It has helped us navigate distance as a family when weather, work, or pandemics keep us apart. Our children are as much gypsies as we are. Frequent voice and video chats even when there isn’t a holiday involved has us all keep up with the small things in our lives, whether it is a well-pitched inning by grandson number five, a band performance by other grandsons, sledding down hills by the littlest, or playing games.
How are you going to spend Christmas this year? Will you risk travel? Will you risk extending the “bubble”? Will you be working? My only wish is that you find something positive in the day for yourself. If nothing else, join me in toasting the day with a glass of wine [or your beverage of choice, even if it is the evil eggnog].
Joyeux Noel! Merry Christmas, Blessed Yuletide, Feliz Navidad!