CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

By Selina Seesunkur

I think we can all agree that Christmas 2020 will be an exceptional one for all of us. In this modern world, where we are used to roaming freely and consumerism is normally at an all-time high, we are having to adapt like never before. At the time of writing this article, Government guidelines stated that “between 23 to 27 December, if you form a Christmas bubble, do not meet with friends and family that you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble”. Now as we publish, we have a new Tier 4!

For those of us who have larger families, and usually meet up for a good old-fashioned shindig, I can imagine this could be quite a predicament in Tier 3. But for those of us who have no-one this Christmas, this festive holiday will still be the loneliest time of the year. As the number of Covid cases continues to increase, the country appears divided over whether the Prime Minister has done the right thing. However, with over 67,000,000 people living in the UK, and all with varying opinions, can the Prime Minister realistically ever provide the correct solution in the eyes of the public? I suspect not.

I live in a Tier 4 area, London and the rules say that “you cannot meet other people indoors unless you live with them or they are part of your support bubble”. Some were outraged and claimed Christmas had been cancelled, others felt the Prime Minister should have made the decision sooner.

Just by walking down the road, you can easily spot those who will and are deviating from the rules; people who will not give you space on the pavements, people who think it’s ok to have a cheeky drink with their mates because they think no-one will see, people who wear masks around their chins and not on their faces, and so on. Then there are those who are brave enough to venture out, wearing a mask but still showing the fear in their eyes as someone gets too close. Just by walking down the road, or by listening to people talk, you can observe the difference of opinion.

I sat in a meeting and the host wished us all a Merry Christmas, but then continued to remind us of the many lives lost this year. This loss of life is as a result of a deadly virus that hit us all, not only us as a nation, but many countries across the world. There were no boundaries the virus recognised. It hit the rich, the poor, it saw no colour, no age, it did not care if you were a sinner or a saint and it just keeps coming. Therefore, we need to continue to be careful; we must adhere to government guidance and not become increasingly dismissive and complacent. Because only then can we say, we did everything we personally could.

We must not forget the heroes amongst us, whether it’s the parent who had no choice but to continue to go out to work to put food on the table, the nurses and doctors, the police, teachers, those front-line workers who support the community in various ways, and those community volunteers who help them out, because they are the true community saints. If you cannot adhere to the rules for your own sake, then please do it for theirs.

It is not all doom and gloom, especially if you remain focused on all that you are lucky to have and cherish the people you have in your life.