A rapidly approaching Christmas Day will mean different things to people across the Wimmera, let alone Australia and around the world.

It’s a time for celebration, for family, for generosity, for giving, for selflessness and for promoting the concept of love and general goodwill.

If we were to make a couple of critical additions to the list this year, they would be ‘security’ and ‘wellbeing’.

It would be fair to say that many of us, in following the fight against COVID-19, would have looked to Christmas, 2021, with a renewed sense of optimism – a sense that this traditional year-ending celebration reflected a profound milestone in society’s rebound back to some degree of normality. The reality is that we’re not quite there yet. 

Christmas probably more accurately represents a major stepping stone that sits three quarters of a way across a turbulent COVID-19 river. It’s those last few stones that now need navigating to get us to safety of the other bank.

Medical authorities have issued a warning for people to be wary and to consider, more than ever, health and safety when celebrating Christmas.

They have been quick to remind people about virus-spreading dangers of large gatherings, whether around the family Christmas table, or at parties with mates. 

They have in turn stressed a need for people to get a third vaccination shot when eligible and anyone with the slightest hints of feeling unwell to avoid mixing with people and to get tested for COVID-19.

But it comes as a tough call and it is inevitable that many, having had a taste of reconnection and freedom, will risk running the gauntlet to simply be with family and friends.

Surely, considering what we’ve learnt in the past two years, we are at a stage where most of us are smart enough to be able to analyse and assess circumstances and regulate what we do accordingly. At least we hope so.

There is going to be plenty of emotion on show this Christmas and perhaps the best gift everyone can give each other this year is that sense of security and wellbeing.

Many of us need to get together this Christmas, of that there is little doubt. But we can reduce risks, be it from asking that vaccinations of all attending are up to date or ensuring high levels of ventilation at homes and venues and so on. And we can’t forget the ever-present dangers on our roads at this time of year.

Stay safe! It could well be the catchcry for any Christmas-New Year break. But it perhaps has a stronger message this year.

At The Weekly Advertiser we’ve ridden every COVID-19 bump with our readers and community while trying to stay in tune with everything else that has mattered throughout the year.

We too are looking forward to Christmas involving families, friends and good cheer. We take great pleasure in wishing everyone a merry and importantly, safe Christmas.

The entire December 22, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire December 22, 2021 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire December 22, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire December 22, 2021 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!