It wasn’t me or a family member who tested positive for Covid-19.
But the aftermath had the same result. Our Christmas gathering will be smaller. My son and his wife had planned to come down for a few days, beginning Christmas afternoon. We had planned an evening of Christmas dinner and presents around the tree. I even checked the bromine in the hot tub to make sure it was fresh and inviting.
And then Covid-19 struck.
One of my son’s co-workers tested positive. This created a gap in coverage at my son’s work. It had been arranged by them that the co-worker who tested positive was to be at work so my son and his wife could come and visit. So, when the positive test result came back, my son was the one who had to fill in the slot.
This means they will not be coming over Christmas.
I haven’t heard any updates on my son’s coworker’s condition. We will Zoom tomorrow, and I can ask. Our Zoom call will include my grandson. Originally most of the family would be at my home and we would connect with my grandson and his mom and dad from here.
Now the Christmas Day Zoom call will be a three-way affair.
While this sudden change in plans is a direct effect of the Pandemic, we are making it work. We have adapted to the new reality and will have a wonderful time under the new circumstances. And now we have a January visit to look forward to.
Once again, I cannot control the events, but I have complete power over my attitude towards them.
Depression would like me to think otherwise. I’m sure it is very upset that I was able to make my own decision as to how I would feel about the sudden change in plans. It is true that I had been looking forward, for weeks, to having my son and my daughter-in-law visit over Christmas.
I had rearranged my schedule to spend time with them.
On Monday, we had planned a family dinner at our home. Everyone was bringing something and there were to be 12 around the table for supper. The dinner will still go on, with 10 of us around the table. We use any occasion is a reason to get together.
We will find a time in January to get everyone together once we know when they will be able to visit.
With the dawn of Christmas Eve, I am starting the day with basic chores. I have stoked the fire in the woodstove and brought in more firewood. All the bird feeders have been topped off. I made a mental note that it is time to purchase additional suet. Emptying the dishwasher is the only thing left on my morning to-do list. Oh, and I started laundry, I can hear the washer going. My wife had gotten up a little before me, so the coffee was already made.
Later in the day, we will head to my father-in-laws for Christmas Eve dinner.
My two sisters-in-law will be joining us. Everyone is bringing something to the dinner table. There are always presents. We will have a back seat full of bags to bring in. I am looking forward to this evening.
My best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to my son’s co-worker.
The pandemic keeps evolving, and thankfully, our family is adjusting as needed. Once again, the events will change, but our attitude towards them is what makes anyone resilient. Depression would love to use the pandemic to crush my ability to change my attitude towards events.
But “the stockings are hung by the [woodstove] with care,†and family will prevail over pandemic.
I know this sounds a bit “sappy,†but I am so thankful that I can enjoy the holidays this year. Without the constant nudging of my depression, the abyss is not in view. There is no drain to circle, and I am able to get out of bed when I want.
