CHRISTMAS… in the ‘ new normal’

Yes, we are ready to celebrate the birth of Christ…in the ‘new normal!’

Obviously, celebrations, this year, 2020, will be totally different to what Christmas was in the past…before the Coronavirus pandemic came into the scene.

Let’s check out how some of our entertainers plan to celebrate Christmas…in the ‘new normal.”

ALSTON KOCH:

Not since I could remember Christmas, as a little child, to a teenager, in my land of birth (Sri Lanka), and then to Australia, and later to America, have I ever had to prepare to be disappointed, knowing fully well that it will be a ‘different’ Christmas this time around. Of course, there will be a ‘Christ’ in Christmas 2020 because you can’t take the Christ out of Christmas. But, this year, it will be a different one. Locked down for more than nine months, in Melbourne, and not knowing what the ‘new normal’ has in store for my first Christmas, in Oz, for nearly seven years, is almost absurd, and a sure disappointing celebration beckons me. However, one has got to think about those who are worst off – losing family and loved ones to this pandemic…and this puts me in a very embarrassing celebratory mood. 26 million with Covid in the USA. Almost three million dead, and I have to ignore the fact that millions of people will be displaced, across the world. Millions will still die in the days before Christmas and we are all helplessly left to witness one of the greatest catastrophes that has enveloped mankind, in modern times. I will be spending a Christmas, in austerity, in Australia.

I wish all my fans and The Island readers the very best and pray that we will all wake up as ‘better Christians,’ or a better people, caring for our environment, and our neighbour, as we venture out into what God has left for us to enjoy…perhaps, this one last time.

SOHAN WEERASINGHE:

Christmas is a wonderful time for all of us, irrespective of religions. Normally, musicians are very busy, during the month of December, but this year is unique as we are all unemployed! But, there is a bright side to Covid as we have all the time in the world to mix with our families, and friends. Isn’t that great! Every Christmas my waistline expands, alarmingly, as I have a weakness for Breudher and Christmas cake, and I have to be careful not to over indulge and, eventually, resemble a balloon! While enjoying the spirit of Christmas, we must also pledge to help the less privileged, even in a small way, as Christmas is for everyone ..

I would also love to convey my best wishes to all my friends (and enemies!) and hope they have a great time, this Christmas, with their loved ones.

DALREEN:

Hi! 2020, the worst year of my career…so far, no feeling of Christmas, or to put up the Christmas tree. I will be spending Christmas, at home. Already bought a Breudher, and hoping to get that Christmas feeling…not expecting any visitors.

My Christmas wish to all my fans…friends…relations – try to make the best of it. Thanks for being in touch. Love and hugs to all. Ivan, you brought the life of music, to our homes, with your articles about the music scene. God be with you, and keep up your good work…love and hugs.

ANDREA MARR:

Hello, from Melbourne, Australia! After around seven months of lockdown, we are finally seeing life get back to some normalcy. The sun is shining! This Christmas we plan to have a family and friends gathering with music and a good sing-along, on Christmas Eve, and then off to country Victoria to see my husband’s family, who we have not been able to visit all year, for a traditional Aussie Christmas lunch. Before Christmas Day, I will be taking some of my students, caroling, at the local disabled community home and, before that, I will be singing with my church for a carols by candlelight, local event. Food for needy families has been delivered to our church to make up hampers; a little gift is placed for a needy child, under the Kmart wishing tree. This year, more than ever, we need to spread light and love. The world needs it.

To all my friends in Sri Lanka, I pray for health, peace and joy in 2021. Stay safe. Much love.

GARY ELLIS:

It has come to this beautiful time of the year – the time we celebrate the birth of the Baby Jesus, I love this celebration. I once had the joy of spending Christmas in Sri Lanka, and it was a truly uplifting experience. In my case, we have a huge sit down Christmas Dinner, with friends and relations gathered at our home, which is decorated with a huge life-like Santa, in the living room. When you pass Santa, he starts to ‘sing’ lovely carols. We usually have a bit of a good old sing-along, before a sumptuous Christmas Dinner. Later, I put on my Santa’s hat and give out the gifts.

May I now extend my grateful regards and Christmas Greetings to your lovely readers and to all my very dear friends in Sri Lanka. I appreciate the wonderful help you give me. I wish you all a Happy and Holy Christmas and A Great and Prosperous New Year. God Bless. Love and Seasons Greetings.

MARLON AMARASEKERA:

Nothing fancy…planning to celebrate with close family, over Christmas Lunch, this year. Usually, I am pretty busy, this time of the year, with gigs, or on tour. Sometimes we are too busy with the hype, like decorating, wrapping gifts, Christmas tree, Santa, visiting family and friends, that we often forget the real reason for the season…the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ – God’s greatest gift to us. So, for a change, it’s good to reflect and be truly grateful for what you have already been blessed with and quit worrying on things you don’t have.

I like to wish all my fans, friends and readers a Happy and a Joyous season. May the true spirit of Christmas fill your homes with Love, Joy, Peace, Compassion, and selfless giving. Merry Christmas everyone.

NOELINE HONTER:

Christmas is an extra special time for me. It’s the season of Good Cheer and Glad Tidings. It’s a time for giving, receiving, and sharing. And, most of all, it’s a time for celebrating the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s also a time to cherish family moments. We are a very close knit family, and family togetherness is extra evident, especially during the Christmas season. However, with this year’s ‘new normal’ situation, our plans are still up in the air due to the likelihood of additional restrictions being imposed. We fervently hope and pray that Covid-19 will be speedily, and totally, eradicated, from our shores, and globally.

May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with hope and peace. Blessings