India’s disabled community to celebrate Christmas in hopes of better & healthier days in 2021

India’s disabled community has had a tough year with the Covid pandemic posing many challenges. But on Christmas, everyone is gearing up to celebrate. As the year comes to an end, members from disabled community look forward for a brighter, healthier and fruitful 2021.

It is that time of the year when festivities fill the air. As Christmas rings in, people are gearing up to bid goodbye to 2020, a year that brought in so many challenges. This year’s Christmas celebrations, as everyone puts it, is one that is going to be low-key as the Covid pandemic is still not over. With the Coronavirus mutating and being more infectious, experts have warned people to not gather in huge numbers. So for Christmas 2020, it is highly recommended to stay indoors and celebrate with loved ones and good food.

Bidding farewell to 2020

The unexpected turn in events of 2020 has taken a toll over mental and physical health of many. Month’s long lockdown, changes in lifestyle and new beginnings were indeed challenging. As people get used to new norms, determination of every person who handled the crisis time needs to be celebrated.

Christmas, the most auspicious festival which celebrates birth of Jesus Christ is not just limited to the Christian community. People from different communities celebrate this time of the year like their own.

Biju Paul, a wheelchair user from Thrissur says that this year’s Christmas is special for many reasons. “We had a rough 2020. As we say goodbye to this year and hope for better days to come, there must be positivity in the air. I have decked up my home with Christmas stars and lights. For disabled people, this year has been even more challenging. We are going to attend an online mass, but I don’t plan to go to church like how I do it every year”, he says.

Anju Rani, a wheelchair user from Ernakulam is thrilled that her sister is getting engaged next week. So the celebrations are doubled for the season. “Every year, we used to attend the midnight mass. But not this year due to Covid pandemic. But since my sister is getting engaged, there is much to look forward to this December. So we are clubbing both celebrations together”, says Anju.

Looking ahead with hope

For Smitha Titus, who is visually impaired, Christmas 2020 is her first one post marriage. But she is going to have a low-key one. “My biggest gift this year is getting married to the person who is also love of my life. So amidst all the challenges, there was a ray of hope. Due to certain personal reasons, we aren’t celebrating Christmas. I believe the festive spirit lies inside our hearts”, she says. Since Smitha’s husband prefers vegetarian food, she is going to cook a delicious meal for him on Christmas. “But it is going to be a vegetarian one”, she stresses.

Preetha, a wheelchair user from Trivandrum says that she is going to have a small reunion of school friends at her home. “We are not going outdoors, but celebrating at home. We shall cook food and have a chit chat session”, says Preetha.

Zeenath Sadar, a wheelchair user from Kochi says, “This Christmas is one of hope, something that we are all looking forward to for 2021. I hope there are better things in store for us the next year. I’am going to celebrate by watching some good movies and cooking for family”.

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