Christmas is around the corner. It is that time of the year to spread happiness and cheer all around. One way is by serenading activities when the young and the old go from door-to-door singing Christmas carols along with a person dressed as Santa Claus. There used to be a live-crib moving around town on a truck. Every parish would hold Carol singing competition, crib competition, star-making competition, fancy dress competition, etc. However, due to the pandemic this year Christmas celebrations will see a sea change. It may not be possible to maintain social-distancing during the programme. House-to-house serenading may not be possible. This year Christmas competitions could be restricted to live streaming on social media. Individuals and small carol singing groups could perform online. Parishioners could send videos of their crib made at home as well as the star to their parish where it could be judged by the parish priest. The winners could be announced at the Christmas midnight mass. A live crib could be organized with a minimum of participants. Wishing one another after the mid-night mass could also undergo a change. Shaking hands, hugging and cheek-to-cheek kissing could be restricted to only family members. Visiting homes during the festive season could also be restricted. All-in-all this year Christmas will be celebrated like never before in our lifetime. However the joy of the season will never fade.
