'Missing Christmas was something I never thought I’d survive… but I’ve packed my tiny violin away and here I stand'
2021, what a wild ride it’s been. I think I finally know what Kylie Jenner meant when she said that 2016 was the year of realising things. I realised quite a few things myself this year – much of it thanks to two Covid-induced bouts of isolation. Yes, friends, I’m part of the “I’ve had Covid more than once” club, and, no, it’s not a group you want to be part of.
Two nights out and then I would fast-track my way home to Longford for the festivities… at least, that’s how I thought things would go. This is the part of the story where the narrator interjects to tell you that that isDecember 17, merriment with work friends. December 18, one of my housemates in my new place gets close contact call. December 19, housemate goes for Covid test – “feeling positive, testing negative” is our mantra of choice at this point. December 20, housemate tests positive.
It probably goes without saying that last year was exceptionally tough, but missing the big day really was the cherry atop a truly terrible cake. Months of lockdown away from home was punctuated by a very definite Christmas-without-my-family full stop and there could be no worse fate for a girl who adores both with equal measure.
Christmas is my time, or rather it was. Things feel different this year. The magic has dampened and it’s no longer anticipation I feel but dread. I exist in a constant state of anxiety these days. December 10 was my social plans cut-off point and I hightailed my way home to Longford two whole weeks ahead of time – determined not to miss another Christmas ever again.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Residents in Shanghai urged to stay in on Christmas as Covid-19 rages nationwideThe Omicron variant is surging weeks after the authorities abruptly ended their zero-Covid policy
Read more »
The 9 at 9: Christmas EveToday's headlines: Christmas in emergency accommodation, snow and storms batter the US and Covid-19 in China
Read more »
'Life won't be normal again' - wife of Long Covid patientThe wife of a man suffering from long-lasting effects of Covid-19 has said she thinks his 'life won't ever be normal again'.
Read more »
Chinese city seeing half a million Covid cases a day, says officialA senior health official in the Chinese city of Qingdao has said that up to half a million people there are being infected with Covid-19 every day
Read more »
Covid hospitalisations up 68% as health service faces worst-ever winter for overcrowdingHigh levels of covid, flu and RSV all putting hospital system under record pressure
Read more »
Chinese authority stops publishing daily Covid figuresChina's National Health Commission has stopped publishing daily Covid-19 data, amid doubts about their reliability as infections have exploded in the wake of an abrupt easing of tough restrictions.
Read more »