Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man’s hat
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha-penny will do
If you haven’t got a ha-penny then God bless you
This lovely, old nursery rhyme, carried forward over generations by such artists as Bing Crosby, the Kingston Trio, and for our grandchildren by John Denver and The Muppets, has a rather ironic ring to it for the upcoming festive season.
For our fifth festive season with covid around, the goose will once again be a little on the thin side and there are quite a number of old men with their hats out seeking pennies.
Covid’s tough times have been followed by horrific damage and stress across communities caused by heavy weather events and flooding. In addition, a major cost of living crisis confronts many people.
These events have been particularly difficult for those who have lost their jobs and homes, and for those business people who continue to struggle. The relentless pressure continues.
During covid, many Kiwis, especially our senior community, missed the social interaction with loved ones and friends. Some, with family overseas, like mine in the USA, have had no close contact in almost five years. That situation has now changed. Record numbers of Kiwis are catching up by flying in and out despite high air fares.
Our family had the wonderful experience when our son, who lives in the US, came to visit with the whole family earlier this year. It was a joyous occasion as advancing age makes international travel difficult and ongoing visiting opportunities diminished – a sad situation for many of us.
Christmas is a special time and not just for the Christian community. It is one of our oldest cultural ‘folk’ festivals with its focus on family relationships, connection and affection. A heart-warming time for friends and family to gather, share food and have fun, key to important festivals in all cultures.
Even in New Zealand, far from the Northern Hemisphere roots of Christmas, we maintain the core components of the Christ story, Santa, snow, Christmas trees, gifts, and a major feast. All this in the summer sun, with Boxing Day, a relic of the times when the servants received their presents in Victorian England and spent time at the beach or the races.
I once read about ‘a place at the table’ which stressed the importance and strength of family connections at Christmas – all family members were welcome at the Christmas feast regardless of personality, past disputes, or misdemeanours. They had ‘a place at the table!’
For seniors and grandparents this is often a poignant time, surrounded by family, enjoying the love and excitement and recalling the many Christmases past, aware that the years are ticking by.
It may be remembering the homemade toy truck you received as a Christmas present in war years, or the much-loved golliwog no longer on the children’s play list. Then there were the weddings and the christenings as the family grew.
As is often the case, this Christmas will be unusual and, perhaps, different for many of us, but the Christmas spirit is alive and well. So, enjoy and share the season with family and friends. That’s the Kiwi way. And, remember the old man’s hat in the nursery rhyme – reach out to those who need a little help.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
