As I woke up a little bit later on my first day off since the start of the fall term, I know many people around the world will be celebrating Christmas Eve tonight. I want to wish you beautiful preparations for the holiday, and I hope to join some celebrations tonight too as I clean my house. It needs some work that has been postponed for months. So today is the cleaning day!

Before starting the holiday season, I also want to acknowledge many people who might not be able to celebrate tonight. This year many will follow local health orders requiring a lot of creativity to stay together while physically apart. I also want to express my gratitude for the first respondents who will keep us safe tonight and every night by providing emergency services to those who need them while sacrificing their right to celebrate on time with their loved ones.

I know many people who will mourn their loved ones tonight as 2020 brought more grief, loss and trauma to existing inequities. I am always grateful for the Blue Christmas service that annually TMUC and many other faith communities have for everyone who needs an alternative way to celebrate life and birth. Code Blue will be applicable for anyone unable to celebrate in a way they used to for many years.

I want to thank all who support those who cannot celebrate tonight, people without homes, refugees, and internally displaced people seeking asylum, prisoners of war and political repressions and many others who are marginalized and oppressed by the dominant groups. I also know that many people tonight in war-torn countries will keep defending their country’s borders as they do every night so others will be able to celebrate safely.

One of the many things the 2020 pandemic taught me is the ability to postpone the celebration. Christmas can be anytime and any day, so if for any reason you cannot celebrate tonight, celebrate another day. Wars end, violence stops, the acceptance of loss and grief happens and life goes on. Time and supports are crucial to getting back “on track”. I hope everyone can find the best day when to celebrate. Celebrations are important and needed.

To those who are celebrating tonight: Merry Christmas Eve. For anyone in Code Blue: stay well and safe and find a time when it is appropriate to celebrate. Thank you to all who support one another, staying physically apart while being mentally, emotionally and spiritually together!

PS: I took the Blue Christmas tree picture when we were driving with Mama in Kamloops. I use driving as one of the way to celebrate freedom of movement and seeing how other Kamloopsians celebrate help me to relax after long hours of work.