Christmas 2024, a year in review

O C'mon All Ye Faithful

In the past few days leading up to Christmas, I found moments in my life to reread a few pages of A Christmas Carol. It was one of my favourite reads as a teenager growing up, and until the hustle and bustle of life took over, I forgot about it. I picked up the e-book version on my kindle last week, and it felt like a rediscovery of an old friend—and it is a joy.

In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens weaves a poignant story of redemption and transformation. The miserly and insufferable Scrooge, haunted by three ghosts on Christmas eve, embarks on a journey through the shadows of his own life. As the dawn of a new year approaches, Scrooge's awakening and transformation represent a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times and pain, the light of compassion and hope can guide us forward to better times.

As we marked the start of the winter solstice last weekend, it symbolised the arrival of winter and the darkest phase of the year. And yet so, in these darkest times, it is also a season of lights. The lights on the trees, the warmth in the house during Christmas eve, and the festivity filled with love, laughter, and light.

As we reflect on 2024 and look forward to the year ahead, let us carry the spirit of Scrooge's transformation in our hearts, embracing the promise of hope, renewal, and the power of kindness.

And as Simsons said, "O C'mon All Ye Faithful!”

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.