Memories of Christmas 2020

As we approach Christmas 2020 the feel in the country is different to any other Christmas I have experienced. The world is uncertain in that there will be a new US President in 2021, the UK will leave the EU and the world is locked in a pandemic since March 2020. Families can’t meet up for Christmas and the UK death toll from the pandemic is over 60,000 and rising. The UK has identified a new strain of the virus and the French have blocked access into and out of Europe along with many other world countries. The UK is led by a journalist/comedian turned politician namely Boris Johnson. In turn Boris is led by public opinion and his personal need to remain popular. He thought he was out of a Churchillian mould, but events have proved him wrong. My family’s futures have been decided by a small majority of the UK electorate and the United Kingdom is disunited. 

So, we look forward to 2021. Vaccinations are in hand - if not in the arm, negotiations on how we will leave the EU on 31/12/20 are continuing. However, it would seem the majority of the UK population are concerned because tattoo shops, pubs and hairdressers are closed. There are calls for us to ring bells at Christmas perhaps along the lines of:

     

For Whom the Bell Tolls by John Donne Next

No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend's were. Each man's death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee.

 

Still, we are stocked up with loo rolls, food and drink and have a home and internet access.

This is the current state of a pre-Christmas Conservative Britain.

I am looking forward to listening to the Queen for hope and inspiration.