Wonderful Christmas

The year has ‘flown by,’ as many would say. What we should remember about this year is that it was not a year where we got everything our hearts desired but it was the year that we learned to appreciate all that we had. Although, there have also been many who received what their heart desired.

In true Sri Lankan style, we are not allowing anything to dampen our spirits. Let the virus float around, we will face the consequences when we meet it, seems to be the attitude adopted by most of those in Colombo.  A very palpable sense of joy is around all of us. The malls are packed with people, making you wonder whether they are shopping or merely enjoying the air-conditioning. Store owners have stopped complaining about the lack of business; people must be shopping then. The eating houses are packed to capacity every day and getting seating without a prior reservation is close to impossible. 

Many are also thinking of the less fortunate and helping them in many ways. The number of generous people are more than in other years it seems, especially since everyone has come to realize the impossible prices of necessities in the market.

Sri Lankans overall are a very jolly people. At this time of the year I keep hearing the words “roll out the barrel, we’ll have a barrel of fun, roll out the barrel, we’ve got the blues on the run,” a few lines from the Beer Barrel Polka that is sung all the times at bars and taverns when crowds get together, especially at this time of the year, and aptly suits the mood in Colombo right now.

The diaspora has returned since travel restrictions are not as stringent. Visiting their close families and parents who they have not been able to see in the past year owing to the pandemic being the primary reason for travel. 
Life does have to go on and let us all try to stay as safe as can be and enjoy a very Merry Christmas.