It started off as a mild hayfever in the holiday season. Sneezing Coughing Headache. And you all know what that means... COVID. I took that test. It's positive! Gimme some saxophone. Yeah! My parents freak out at the first hint of a sick me Cus I work in hospitality. No one over when there's COVID around That means a Quiet Christmas Alone. And it's all thanks to that... COVID. Uh oh. I got COVID! Guess I better stay in my room! Where no one can bother me. During the holidays... One more time! You know what, I think I'm doing myself a favour. It's the holiday season! I'm taking a holiday from Christmas. I think this is the gift I give to myself. Merry Christmas to all those with COVID.

(Faith) This yuletide's got me deep distressed. (Cheer) What happened to that hard intense fulfilment. (Gifts) Wrap your soul, sit it underneath the tree. (Heart) That family fire's burning down your (Life) So drop your (Faith) Feel that drama driving out your (Cheer) Give those nasty thoughts as your own (Gifts) And feed a fire burning through your (Heart) Take back control of your very own (Life) (Faith) Your worries needn't bow to no-one. (Cheer) Hear those gathered fighting over (Gifts) Know that yours embodies all their (Heart) You've given them the gift of your (Life)

Dear Mr Claus, I hope this letter finds you well I have a couple things I need to ask of you. A list of favours, from some children that I know who have mentioned a couple things, and maybe you can follow through. I know you're busy with your bag full up with toys, and the elves all running checks upon your reindeer. But I worry that the people on my list Will be left behind, so here are all the who's, and all the whys. Little Cody off in Texas wants to gift a teddy bear to all of those who have to make do on their own. Elizabeth from Washington, she is worried about the floors. Can you fix the holes, so nana won't trip over anymore? Angel's mom's away serving her country overseas. Please send some elves to help make sure that she is safe. And Adam's in Ontario, his grandpa's in a nursing home. This Christmas, spend some time with him so he is not alone. I know that this is quite the list we've left for you. But I know that you're the man to see it through. Give those reindeer many snacks, and watch the stars so you don't crash, and take this list, so that we are always with you. Mr Claus, I know that time is getting tight, but as you cross the timezones, maybe spend some time just checking twice, on the people that we all care for most. I'm sure you understand, this holiday, we leave you precious cargo. Lena lived in Ukraine, her dad still fights at home, She hopes you'll find him, to give him all his gifts. Jordan's parents are in urgent care -- his worries are with them this year. Send some magic, and maybe that'll make the doctors cheer. Aaron's old dog champ, he got sick and passed away. Here are some treats to take him on the other side. Andrew's family is split up again. His siblings are in foster care. He wants them all to spend this Christmas with his parents this one time. I know that this is quite the list we've left for you. But I know that you're the man to see it through. Give those reindeer many snacks, and watch the stars so you don't crash, and take this list, so that we are always with you. So Santa Claus, I hope this letter found you well. I know that this is quite the list we've asked of you. Many favours, from the children that I know, who have asked a couple things, and hope that you can follow through. We know you're busy, with your bag full-up with toys, and the elves completing checks upon your reindeer. But please remember: the people on my list will be left behind, so remember all the whos and all the whys. I know that this is quite the list we've left for you. But I know that you're the man to see it through. Leave those reindeer many snacks, and watch the stars so you don't crash, and take this list, so that we are always with you.

I could be asleep this Christmas time Safe inside on a sunny afternoon. We could be snoozing under cold conditioned air with iced water in a simple arm's reach. But instead, I am here serving lunch to some strangers, standing in the blazing sun. And not a care has been taken to ensure our well-being. As we burn to a crisp. For someone's perfect Christmas lunch.