It is with great joy that I await the arrival of Christmas day. Even though this year this magnificent festival finds most of us away from our families - myself included - it nevertheless retains its almost-magical power to lift one’s spirits and fill one’s heart with joy. It is precisely in this atmosphere that one may finally forget their troubles and concentrate on the present, on the now, in order to find a moment of happiness, even in the absence of parties, friends, and family dinners.
As I finally find a moment to rest and take my mind off my usual routine, I cannot help but think about all the people that are so dear to me. While none of them may be here with me today, they are all present in my heart - and I am sure that I too am in theirs. My parents and my brother are the most important people in my life - the source of my joy and my will to live - and as such, being away from them is, indeed, saddening. I rejoice, however, in the fact that the modern era in which we live provides us with devices and commodities which make it possible to communicate with them easily and at any moment. I believe I may say that I am lucky to live in a century where it is possible not to feel completely isolated, even during a pandemic. I am furthermore sure that this Christmas will still be special and full of exciting moments, as long as I spend it in the company of my loved ones.
While I turn my thoughts away from my family for a moment, I find myself wondering about my best friend. December 25th is also his name day, and thus another reason why it is among my favourite holidays. It is been quite a while since the time we last met in person - six years! During this time I have learned that physical distance is of secondary importance when the friendship is true, and that what really matters is sincerity and a feeling of mutual affection. I admit, however, that I would much rather love to spend this day with him too, in his presence, than through an internet connection linking two devices from two different continents. If it is indeed true that “he wins who waits”, then I may only wait, while hoping to celebrate Christmas with him in the future.
As I come to the end of this chain of thoughts, I remember my friends and the significance that their friendship bears in making my life more beautiful. I cannot thank them enough for their kind words, for their readiness to help through challenging times, for their willingness to listen and to advise, and, above all, for the unique ability they have to make my days brighter. No Christmas present may ever replace any of these qualities.
In the end, I would like to say that, today, my thoughts are especially with the victims of hatred, prejudice, and discrimination, wherever they may be. To suffer the endless pain of being an outsider, whose presence is unwanted and whose very existence is undesired, is truly one of the most tragic experiences that someone may go through. It is for this reason that I wish with all my heart that the message of Christmas - a message of love and hope - may give to all of those grieving under the dreadful tyranny of intolerance, the motivation to find the strength necessary to believe in a better future, and the will to go on and build a better life. I hope that the significance of this special day may also enlighten the perpetrators of hate and violence to see the mistakes in their thoughts and actions, so they may finally come to realize the majesty of the human being, and recognize the vital importance of respecting human dignity and human rights. May this most solemn feast inspire us to see what unites us, rather than what sets us apart.
theartofmadeline
origamiaround
dededos
baratheonpilled
blakekathryn
kianamaiart
