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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020

The Little Mermaid

Dear esteemed friends,

It is with feelings of profound fondness and of consummate delight that I have the honour to address you all for who you truly are: wizards, mermaids, travelers, adventurers and magicians; and to share my impression on the festival of the Nativity of Jesus Christ and New Year with you. In these weeks that are passing by so euphorically, we see parks, public squares, roads, stores, hotels and restaurants welcoming the party season with sparkling firs, bows and baubles galore. Even buses are decked out with all things Christmas. The mesmeric decorations all over the world, besides being an affirmation of the majesty of the moment, provide a most heartening warmth in our soul.

In the same breath, this is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, boldly, without prevarication. Hello parents, I’m pretty sure you are wondering what gifts to buy for your darling kids or grand-kids; and I feel your bewilderment at the plenitude of choices that you have. I ask of you, my dear people, what is a person more likely to remember, twenty years on, about his Christmas Day when he was only a five-year-old child? Is he going to recollect the deluxe $800 Lego “Star Wars” Millennium Falcon-a few pieces of which had been lost in just two days or is he going to recall, with vivid images, the ski trip he had taken with his siblings and how he had laughed uncontrollably when his father had farted in front of the disguised Santa Claus on that day? I trust you have gained not only glimpses of particular scenes, but also the purport of my words. Make mindful purchases. If you are to spend, then spend unhindered on things that will nourish your children’s ingenuity and spark their creativity. Spend on travels. Spend on books. Spend on musical instruments. Let your present leave its mark on your child’s heart forevermore. It must be borne in mind that in another part of the world, there is a parent working fingers to the bone from sun up til sun down so he could get his son a new pair of school shoes on Christmas Day.

It is far from my wish to make any sepulchral statements on an occasion that might well be called one of rejoicing but the reality is brutal. Our world is ailing. And if it takes brutal honesty to say it, so be it. The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one. If we do not take this first step, we cannot hope for a better future. Our world is sick, yet silent-in the same manner a mother shrugs off her own sufferings, her own pains, to stand on her feet and prepare the ceremonial roasted turkey for her family. From being touted as ‘global warming’, ‘climate change’ to the climate crisis, you and I have witnessed, with horror and heartbreak, with a fundamental sense of the size and urgency of the catastrophic biodiversity damage, the war against Nature. They often say that living on the edge is the new fashion but what could be edgier than taking the whole of life on this planet to the edge of annihilation? With all bets off. I have fervent hopes, that if today, we promise to care for the Creation, the Creation will take better care of us till eternity. This would be the most invaluable gift to our children, and to our children’s children.

Uncertainty is hovering over the global economy. The political in-fighting of Brexit continues to weigh on the UK, with the rest of us not imperviable to its large-scale systemic risks as well. Unemployment, poverty, security and health remain an ongoing tremendous challenge for us to tackle in the new year. Every child born today is already burdened with a share of the enormous debt that our government has run up by borrowing money. Moreover, the destabilizing effects of conflicts in countries like Yemen and Syria are impossible to ignore. Amidst the prevailing chaos, the tribulations, the real and most meaningful Christmas presents for our close ones cannot be an iPhone 11 Pro or a PlayStation 4; the most beautiful gifts would be that of giving all of them equal opportunities, of saving their world from further ecological destruction, of giving them a pollution-free existence, of giving them the liberty to dream big and to pursue their goals through incisive economics and last, but not the least, of securing a future to enable our children to go through their daily life and work, knowing that they have peace, they have safety, they have freedom.

Our unity as bloggers may well be a unique spectacle, and an episode in itself. It is my duty to pay the most wonderful tribute of gratitude and admiration to you, my loving friends. I am very glad to hear of the excellent work and splendid deeds you are carrying in the fields of arts, literature, music, technology, leadership and philanthropy among others. I need not say, also, how much I feel the compliment and pleasure of being connected with you. There’s something consoling about listening to or reading someone’s words that sound relatable; words that have to do with something we’ve specifically been through but never knew how to put in words, or something we’ve always had at the back of our head, but we were never really conscious enough about it until we met someone in the blogosphere who’s able to give it a name. The best of all is, those heart-to-heart conversations that bring out the most genuine feelings and lots of “I thought I was the only one”. When we ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions or cures, have chosen rather to share our struggles with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in our low moment, who can stay with us in an hour of grief, who can tolerate not knowing, not healing and face with us the reality of our vulnerability as a human, that is a friend who cares. I thank God you are here. It’s such a blessing; the ability to share, the ability to allow people to talk about their dreams, passions and joy; and this is what help us, bloggers, to sustain. It has been an added pleasure and an added thrill for me, to watch our friendship blossom; I am confident that the ties which bind us so closely will grow even stronger, and that our unity of purpose will be maintained in the coming year.

May we cast aside-for this sacred holiday season-the cares and dangers which beset us, and make for the children a period of fun and laughter in a world of storm. Let them open their gifts with rapture in their eyes. Share a kiss beneath the mistletoe. Wrap your dears close to your heart. Resolve that by our sacrifice and doing, these same children shall not be robbed of their inheritance, or denied their right, tomorrow, to live in a free and decent world.

I tell you what, this is off the record but do not assume Santa Claus likes his babies goody-good, he loves them naughty. Haha!

Meilleurs voeux de bonheur pour un Joyeux Noël et Heureuse Nouvelle Année 2020! May peace, love, prosperity and success follow you always.

Lots of love,

The Little Mermaid X


                                                   And a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Published by The Little Mermaid

78 thoughts on “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020”

  7. Merry Christmas!… hope the day (and every day) and your presents are filled with love and happiness!.. 🙂

    Until we meet again…
    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    May good and faithful friends be yours,
    wherever you may roam.
    May peace and plenty bless your world
    with joy that long endures.
    May all life’s passing seasons
    bring the best to you and yours!
    (Irish Saying)

    Reply

  8. So good to read some of your wisdom again. Almost three years ago now, you were one of my first blogging friends and I haven’t forgotten. Christmas also means blessings, and you are one of them. Merry Christmas & God’s grip for the new Roaring 20’s. -Alan

    Reply

    1. My dear Alan, your lovely comment has tugged at my heartstrings; and I really mean it. I consider you as a great friend. We may not interact often but when we do, it always leaves me feeling cherished.

      Thank you for being here. I wish you a blessed year in 2020 and beyond. Here’s to many more years of friendship!

      Cheers! 🤗

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  13. Merry Christmas and I pray that things will take a turn for the better . May people stop searching for happiness in material things and rediscover that people are what really matter. Relationships and true empathy and connection. Accepting and forgiving and seeing our need for the same things. And our need for Jesus!

    Reply

    1. Hello love, thank you for the kind wishes. My thoughts perfectly align with yours. Incidentally, I visited an old age residential care home yesterday. I was hoping to spend some time with the elders during this festive period but I ended up staying with them for much longer!

      Growing old is inevitable. I believe one of our primary responsibilities as fully functioning adults should be to support those who are aging, whether they be our kins or strangers, in every way that we can. I met an old woman, named Lucy suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. She was a very jovial lady, quite loquacious by nature, but above all loving. She greeted me with an endearing hug and with a bright smile on her face upon meeting me. We hit it off instantly. Through my interaction with Lucy, I’ve learnt that people with dementia need connection more than ever before. Even though people experiencing Alzheimer’s become unable to recount what has just happened, they still go through the experience-even without recall. The psychological present lasts about three seconds. We can provide comfort and relief to them by giving them the gift of our presence, mindfulness, compassion and highest understanding, thereby making them feel heard, understood and loved throughout their day.

      I have also met people whose family members have very rarely showed up again to check on them. Some have moved on thanks to the well-disposed attitude of the staff who have created a congenial atmosphere- the elders got used to the routine but I could easily read the intense yearning for their loved ones that was apparent on many other faces too. The phrase ‘Love one another’ is so wise. By loving one another, we invest in each other and in ourselves. Perhaps someday, when we need someone to care for us, it may not come from the person we expect, but from the person we least expect. It may be our sons or daughter-in-laws, our neighbors, friends, cousins, stepchildren, or stepparents whose love for us has assigned them to the honorable, yet dangerous position of caregiver.

      When all is said and done, it does not matter how long you have spent on Earth, how much money you have gathered or how much attention you have received. It is the amount of positive vibration you have radiated in life that matters.

      You have a beautiful soul. I send you lots of love and kisses. X

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    1. Aww thank you Tio. I’m sure your blessings mean an abundance of good things; and will help me get through any challenge in the New Year gracefully. I wish you, my darling friend and your wonderful wife, an amazing 2020. May it be filled with positivity, joy and love for both of you.

      Take good care of yourself. X

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  17. This is a beautiful post and I love your thoughts on gifts from parents – “Let your present leave its mark on your child’s heart forevermore” < absolutely, I think that thoughtfulness counts far more than 'stuff', gifts from the heart or better still, your actions throughout the year.
    Merry Christmas lovely! 🎄
    Caz xx

    Reply

    1. Thank you honey! I’m sure your dears are being spoilt to the nth degree with your ambrosial gastronomical delights. Keep spreading the love!

      Best wishes X

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  19. If only the world shared your vision.

    BTW, for my 6-year-old’s birthday, I got him a $400 drum set. My wife wasn’t happy, but he and I LOVE the noise! He will remember playing those drums for the rest of his life.

    Reply

    1. Ahh! Drum beats! They carry me into another dimension. From a sensible, far-seeing father, a drum set is a thoughtful gift. That piece of musical instrument could bring out the little Ginger Baker in your son. Who knows? 🙂

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  20. Great blog post Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️
    You discussed many important issues while maintaining your usual brand of good humour. Merry Christmas and all the best for 2020! 🎄

    Reply

    1. Hey my good old friend Dave! It’s great to hear from you. I’m always looking for a reason to laugh but as Timon and Pumbaa might say, ‘Hakuna matata!’ as long as I’m not laughing for no reason. Haha! Thanks for the good wishes. May grace and peace be unto you.

      Hugs and kisses X

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      1. Thank you Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️
        I always liked the Lion King…. At least I’m laughing with you. I appreciate your kind words. I look forward to your tea parties this year.

        Dave X

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  21. You’re so right that years from now kids won’t remember that expensive toy, instead they’ll think of the great memories, which don’t cost any money… Well said and I wish you a lovely Christmas!!

    Reply

    1. Absolutely correct, Christy!

      There are toys which are fun for kids-preferentially the educational ones that develop their imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills, for instance a botany kit, culturally diverse dolls, construction sets, puzzles or even a simple telescope. Otherwise, a non-toy Christmas reward is a different kettle of fish that I would urge parents to consider as well. Some terrific examples of non-toy presents are membership to a dance/music class, tickets to an event or a personalised photo album. The major premise in giving children such gifts is for them to break free from the consumerist mindset of immediate satisfaction, individualism and transience.

      Have a great week ahead! Hugs and kisses X

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  22. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you my precious friend!

    Thank you so much for this poignant reminder to consider what is Truly important and will last in the mind’s of those who follow in our footsteps. I am sincerely grateful that our paths have converged here.

    Until then, I love you and what you do.

    Jeffrey

    Reply

    1. Jeff!! Please receive my warmest thanks for your kind intentions. I’m pleased to have known someone like you in the blogosphere.

      I love you too! See you soon!

      Hugs and kisses X

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    1. Indeed Paula! This is a key lesson that our young children should learn from good parenting. As parents who can afford, we sometimes tend to cater to our kids’ whims and fancies out of love; not realising that in doing so, we are doing them more harm than good. It is a blessing to be financially capable to procure anything your child desires. It is also a blessing to be able to provide them a sheltered upbringing. However, the child has to understand that money does not grow on trees. He needs to be able to establish some kind of healthy parental sacrifice attached to his request even if the parent is earning $1M each month. The culture of commodification is domineeringly substituting the culture of connection in our society; and Christmas serves as an appropriate time for us to teach our babies the value of money and the value of family. The world needs to raise more grateful souls since it is already pullulating with enough elitism and snobbery everywhere.

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  31. Thank you for your heartfelt message. The best gift is time together, the walks, the laughter, the board games, the listening without interruption, the hand holding. The world ecology takes a world wide solution. A small country population wise like Canada cannot make changes that will undo the damages by populations of billions. Poor countries will not make changes that are expensive while their populations suffer from poverty. In my opinion peace and ecological renewal will come from trade that benefits everyone and also reduced population growth in parts of the world whose population growth is steep. I also agree that debt needs to be managed, programs eliminated, so that money can be spent on infrastructure renewal (much of it needs replacing) and big projects that create jobs for decades while serving a wider population like railways.

    Happy 2020 to you, peace and good health to you and those in your heart.

    Reply

    1. My dearest friend, how are you keeping these days? I share your sentiments. I also go along with your proposals in regard to spiritual ecology while acknowledging the several constraints you have methodically delineated.

      Si, es cierto! For years we have lived our life off track misguided by the askew preconception that what was good for us would be good for the world. We could not be more wrong. We must change our lives so that we live by the contrary assumption, that what is good for the world will be good for us. Wisdom is combining hindsight, with insight, to gain foresight. We must learn from our past mistakes and understand that we are at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet, in order to shape a hopeful future. I cannot conceive that it is not possible for mankind to make the effort to know the world and learn what it is good for it.

      There is a revolution that needs to happens; it starts inside each one of us. We need to awaken our ecological consciousness and fall in love with the Earth. Nature is not only outside us; she is also within us. Beneath the discombobulation of society’s masks lies our real identity. You and I are as much the expressions of Nature and the Universe as a galaxy, planet, river, cloud or tree. This is the eternal truth that the poetry of Rumi and Mary Oliver attempt to express. It is what Vincent Van Gogh endeavoured to communicate in his paintings, what Thich Nhat Hanh pellucidly disclosed in his writings. When we transform our experience of life in this way- by shattering the illusion of separateness, by connecting with the soil, local community and our own biology, we become agents of transformation on this planet, because we are now aligned more deeply with life and Nature’s intelligence than with civilisation’s ignorance, political opportunism and histrionics or pleonexia. And because we are all caught in this inescapable network of mutuality, of oneness, everyone’s effort-starting right from the peasant farmer in China to the Executive Director of the Bank of England, no matter how big or small, counts!

      I thank you kindly for the good wishes. I wish you have a most fulfilling year in 2020. Please take good care of yourself.

      Hugs X

      Reply

      1. Thank you for asking about my health. I am feeling really well, my new kidney transplant has given me a new lease on life, and gone is the tiredness and strain of the last ten years. My outlook is positive as I look towards 2020.

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        1. Aw! That’s music to my ears! I’m so happy for you. I realise it had long been an uphill battle but I was somehow convinced that a better, a stronger version of you would come out of this in the fullness of time; and so it has happened.

          As a friend, I would suggest you to actively practise spirituality in your life. This will help you to build resilience and to develop essential qualities like courage, determination, self-awareness, inner strength and rediscovery of purpose. You will find peace, joy, positivity and contentment in everything that you do.

          Thank you again for sharing the good news with me. We’ll be in touch. I send you much love and healing vibes from afar. Hugs X

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          1. Hugs back to you. I practise gratitude daily, on walks and before sleep. I pray daily, usually in conversation form as I share my day and thoughts. Bless you for encouraging me.

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    1. Thank you Leo! I wish 2020 brings better opportunities, growth, joy and good health for you.

      See you around! X

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  33. I read this a little bit late, but I find myself agreeing with so much – probably all – of it. Your points are excellent and I love the richness of vocabulary and elegance of style.

    God bless you, little Mermaid, and keep up the good work of saying what He gives you to say with distinguished style and elegance.

    Stephen xx

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    1. Oh! I am very grateful to you, Stephen, for all the kind expressions you have used about me and about the conclusions which your naturally close and intimate investigations have enabled you to form. I do thank God with every breath for His Mercies and Grace.

      Hugs and kisses X

      Reply

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