Tells a Tale

Grammy Writes, ,

The Ragtag Daily Prompt today is “Mask”. It comes a day after my daughter posted her yearly photo of my grandchildren with Santa. I am normally thrilled to see them sitting on Santa’s lap with smiles on their faces that indicate their sheer joy and excitement at all the season brings.

This year’s photo tells a tale of different times! No lap sitting, no closeness, no smiles! Santa has on a clear, full-face mask and sits behind the children, who stand a distance away. The photo shows my 9-year-old granddaughter in her shimmery Christmas dress donning a mask that looks like a snowman with a charcoal smile and a carrot nose. Dressed in Christmas finery as well, my 5-year-old grandson wears a mask with a big red Rudolph nose! Sounds adorable, right? Well, it nearly brought me to tears!

Research shows high rates of clinginess, distraction, and fear in youngsters during this pandemic, and higher than normal cases of depression and suicide in older children and adults. My granddaughter now has nightmares and currently refuses to sleep alone. I know this will pass, but I worry about the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of every single one of us.

I hope to see smiling faces all around in the 2021 Santa photo! No masks!

For Ragtag Daily Prompt: Mask

It’s only words #15

16 Comments

  3. Yes, Christmas is definitely different this year. We are allowed to travel around Ireland to see our family and friends, but are not allowed to hug and kiss them, imagine. Stay safe and, despite everything, have a lovely festive season 🎄☃️❄️ sending you lots of love and hugs 😀 Aiva

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