Don Canney

This time of year, we often see musings written about what Christmas means to different people, with a popular approach being that of a list of those thoughts spelling out the word Christmas. I am reminded of the popular Christmas tune that begins; “C is for the Christ child, born upon this day…” In that vein, I present some thoughts that came to my mind about Christmas 2020, acknowledging that this Christmas will be one like no other we have ever experienced, and hopefully never will again.

C – C is for Covid. Many of us, as in the Christmas song, look at C as representing the Christ child. Of course, it still does. But this year, we regrettably need to add Covid. This disease has taken hundreds of thousands of American lives, disrupted, and destroyed families, ruined economies and in general was a royal pain in the butt. There is hope on the horizon, so let us continue to be vigilant so we can realize that hope!

H – H is for Heroes. We are living amongst many. All front line workers, doctors, nurses, first responders, military personnel, retail employees, truck drivers, mail and package carriers, those working tirelessly 24/7 to get the vaccine to us, teachers and all others who have put themselves in harm’s way so that others can live their lives and be safe. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for what they have done and continue to do every day. Be sure to say thank you to anyone you know in any of those lines of work. I would say a tip of the cap, but in most cases, a noble bow isn’t even enough.

R – R is for Remembrance. Remember all those who have died from this terrible virus. Also remember those they have left behind. Our love, prayers and hope go out to anyone who was affected.

I – I is for Inoculation. Although it’s just a fancy word for vaccine, we are all awaiting that day when the vaccine will be available and distributed so everyone will finally be rid of the daily fear we have lived with for nearly a year.

S – S is for Social distancing. About a year ago, social distancing was not even in our vocabulary, but today it is one of the most Googled topics. What’s that tagline? “Six feet away or six feet under.”

T – T is for Thanks. As strange as it may sound amidst a pandemic, we all still have much to give thanks for, in addition to thanks for all those listed above as heroes.

M – M is for Masks. Wear them. Period. ‘Nuff said.

A – A is for Avoidance. Avoid large crowds, avoid any place the CDC recommends you stay away from. Avoid being a community spreader. Think about the impact you can have on others. It’s not just about you!

S – S is for Safe. See above under S, M and A. We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe so we can live to see next Christmas. Ensure you and your neighbor can live to see a child graduate, get married or star in a school play. Ensure a grandparent can live to see a grandchild again. Ensure that grandchild can live to see Santa next year and open gifts on Christmas morning. We are too close to the finish line to let our guard down!

Admittedly, I am no lyricist. But below I offer some words of hope with a twist of humor (and much poetic license). Sing to the tune of, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Have yourself a COVID little Christmas

Keep your mask on tight

Pretty soon

Our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a COVID little Christmas

Keep six feet at bay

Make sure all

Your troubles remain miles away

Here we are during COVID days

Unlike golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us, no more

Someday soon

We all will be together

If vaccines allow

Until then

We’ll have to muddle through some how

So, have yourself

A COVID little Christmas now

Happily, Dr. Anthony Fauci has deemed Santa immune to the virus, so there will be no worries for the kiddies! He will still be landing that sleigh on rooftops across the world this year and for years to come.

To paraphrase the parting words of old St. Nick himself – “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a safe night!”

Don Canney is a freelance writer and professional voice artist. He was born and raised in downtown Nashua with great interest in Nashua history circa 1950-1970. He now resides in Litchfield.

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