MY SAY: WON’T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
This year, like Thanksgiving, and Passover and other family and religious holidays, millions of Americans will be deprived of gathering with loved ones to celebrate Christmas, thanks to the draconian and illogical lock downs which have caused great economic and social harm. The elderly for whom each holiday is a milestone will not enjoy the fun of grandchildren and Santa Claus and gifts. As author Sydney Williams writes today ZOOM cannot replace a hug. It is bleak.
The song,” I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was written in 1943 by Walter Kent, composer and Kim Gannon lyricist to honor the troops in World War 2 who were stationed thousands of miles from home in jungles, high seas, bunkers in snow or mud who would miss Christmas at home and faced lonely nights aching with homesickness. The song reverberated both with the patriot soldiers and their anxious families at home.
After imagining a festive Christmas scene, it ends with a plaintive “but only in my dreams.”
In December 1943 Americans waited for the war to end. In December of 2020, with a longing beyond expression isolated Americans wait for the pandemic to ebb with hopes that a New Year will bring better days and national renewal….if only in our dreams.
Here is a toast to health and some merriment during the holidays. L’Chaim! To Life. Rsk
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