Gathering Cosy and Safe for Christmas

It seems quaint now, to see photos of being caught up in last year’s bustle of holiday crowds in cafes, stores and yes, even the hotel that hosts for the public, gingerbread collection of cookie, candy and sugar dusted winter tableaux and figurines.

Ice skating polar bear. Annual gingerbread competition display. Hyatt Hotel, Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong

At the time, we thought the gingerbread cruise liner ship with onboard celebrants was a bit strange as a winter scene.  But why not — if that’s where some folks

Earlier Christmas memories on cruise ship with international surf boards. Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong

gather.  Now, seeing the sugar-coated happy cruise ship in 2020, it’s almost anathema, blasphemous to human survival since there were some covid-19 passengers floating around in ship quarters, for weeks earlier this year.

Shops normally teeming with browsing customers, may have controlled entry for 2020, to limit number of people inside. Granville Market, Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong

Jack and I aren’t missing anything since we’ve never been nor were ever interested in a cruise liner vacation trip.  But we will miss our favourite public gathering spots

Evening tuna loin appetizers with wine -candlelit meal probably needs to be at home. Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong

to sit inside for this Christmas –certain restaurants, cafes.  Heck, who knows if there will be any annual gingerbread competition this year.  That means getting crafty excited kids and adults together. Another risky fun and bonding time down the fishing ice hole.

Tap dancing locals for Christmas crowds at Georgia and Granville St., Vancouver BC 2019

Usually our Christmas time period is quiet and contemplative.  This year will be an added blanket of care and appreciation of just being close together, healthy and safe.

Beach vacation with crowds from the past. Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong

So, we’re left with hopes of good weather to bike around and at night, see decorations festooning homes, some lights, stars and for those of you in frigid temperatures, fluffy snow.

Outdoor fun, including ice fishing. Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong

I’m hoping for quiet miracles of just living through Christmas into the New Year and beyond.

Playing guitar. Granville Market, Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong

We’re hoping for candle lights that will keep burning bright into the night and that they will be relit over and over by other celebrants of Life.

Merry Christmas with warm memories of love, contemplation and fun!

Enjoying cozy gathering for miraculous times together at Christmas. Vancouver BC 2019. Photo by J.Chong