What is magical about December 2020?

 

Do you believe in Magic? Today is ‘Sinterklaas Dag’ in The Netherlands. We used to watch him arrive by boat when we lived in The Netherlands. Sinterklass was dressed in a long red coat and carried a bag of toys as he rode his white horse in the annual Dutch parade. His troop of elves threw candy and cookies into the crowds. They used to paint their faces black to resemble the Moors from Spain. Recently, it became politically incorrect and now the elves have their faces painted every color of the rainbow. At night, Dutch children still follow the tradition of putting out a wooden shoe with a carrot in it for Sinterklaas’s white horse. By morning, their shoes are filled with Dutch chocolates and pepernoten spiced cookies. 

My family continues to recognize this Dutch holiday. I had a Speculaas cookie or two to celebrate today. I was so excited to find the cookies in a local international grocery store in Nevada. The cookies are best dipped in coffee and melt in your mouth. My Dutch daughter in law and my American son still carry on this tradition with their son. We talked to them today on Duo live video as they ate their Sinterklass goodies. Our holidays continue to be celebrated online around the world during the pandemic. 

My husband and I tried to do some errands today using drive-up windows American style. First, we went to the local pharmacy to pick up prescriptions. The drive up window had a sign posted that they were closed due to COVID Cleanup. What is that? We circled around to the front of the drug store where it looked like a scene from a sci-fi movie. There were workers in white hooded hazmat suits taking complicated equipment out of a white van. I wonder how they discovered someone had COVID in the store. I think I will wait a week or two to give the germs an opportunity to clear out of the store before I return.

Back to this unique holiday season. We have our lights, tree, and decorations up inside and out. However, we can’t have any guests over or visit anyone. Germs are everywhere now. It looks like we will celebrate another holiday on Zoom around the world with our family. What a strange time in history! I guess we will enjoy our hot chocolate, cookies, and carols by our broken fireplace. It is a metaphor for this strange time in history. What is not broken? The love and kindness of family, friends, and strangers who we encounter. Spread the holiday spirit and make others feel merry around you...especially this year! Happy 2020 Holidays!

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