“So this is Christmas. And what have you done?”
Those lyrics, penned and famously sung by John Lennon, seem particularly poignant this year - a year that was dominated by and will be forever remembered for the global pandemic.
It was a year of dramatic ups and downs, of tectonic shifts in our culture and our societies, of momentous changes that occurred at the speed of light while, somehow, at times, life moved at what felt like a glacial pace.
Everything changed. And yet, in some ways, as we celebrate Christmas, nothing has changed.
Around the tree, the circle may be smaller this year, but it is still enlivened by the people we love and hold dear to our hearts.
There are still nicely wrapped presents and joy and smiles, but everybody understands that the real gift - as it ever was - is to be surrounded by love in whatever form that might look like to you.
In my own family, our world was also rocked by the unexpected death of its matriarch. My mom, who was healthy and independent and living on her own, suddenly became ill. Within three weeks - on Dec. 8 - she had died.
Her death leaves a gigantic hole in our family and the loss, palpable and heart-wrenching, hangs over this Christmas, casting a pall on what is usually joyous and fun.
But, to honour my mom, we will not ignore Christmas. Instead, we will attempt to be like her - to choose not to complain and opt to revel in the small joys and gestures of sincere love.
Our family will never be the same. Many families, sadly, will feel this way this year as circumstances have turned many lives upside down.
I am trying to choose to focus on the positive - the way this community has embraced the challenge of the pandemic and lent a hand to those in need, the way my extended family has rallied in a time of tragedy and remember the countless thoughtful, selfless efforts of so many that have sustained our family and our community in a time of trial.
“So this is Christmas. And what have you done?” It’s likely you’ve done much more than you imagined.
And, especially this year, that is not only enough, but it’s something for which I’m thankful.
Dave Dawson is the community editor of OrilliaMatters.