Santa Claus has the right idea: visit people only once a year.
Victor Borge (Danish humorist and musician)
Santa Claus Finally Takes a Break…
And just like that, it’s the end of another year! …Ho ho ho… I can almost hear him—Santa Claus, having just swapped out of his work clothes, washed and hung them out to dry, now taking a well-earned break while his reindeer peacefully graze nearby. That’s the image that comes to mind when I look at this shot, although there’s something about it that feels fresh and relevant to our times.
Goodbye, 2021…
Let’s be honest: we were all counting down the days until 2021 came to an end! More so than 2020, we wanted this year to take away the lingering sadness, anxiety, and fear that have hung over us for the past two years. Looking back at the article I wrote almost a year ago (Mala Tempora Currunt… Reports From Quarantine), I realize just how different the emotions of 2021 were compared to 2020. Perhaps not in the general sense (fear is fear…), but definitely in how intense and pervasive those emotions were, largely because of the greater awareness we gained about how to handle the pandemic and public health.
…Hoping for a Better Year
So, here’s to a bright 2022! May it be a year of rebirth, hope, and good health. We must stay positive, even though the health crisis is far from over. Let’s hope we can finally rid ourselves of this burden that’s stopped us from living freely and spontaneously. And may we soon return to meeting in person for all the moments of joy, fun, and life that we’ve missed so much.
The Photo
This shot struck me even before I fully realized why. It reflects the year we’re leaving behind, while offering a glimmer of hope for the future. Sure, Santa’s suit drying might not seem like a groundbreaking concept, but what makes it feel more current is that unexpected element I mentioned earlier—something that seems out of place in Santa’s usual attire, but is, in fact, a perfect symbol of our times: the face mask (notice how it matches his outfit!). It’s clear that even Santa had to wear one this year to stay safe, avoid the virus, and be able to do his job properly.
The fact that we’ve still managed to hold on to our traditions and the joyful moments in life gives us hope for the future, reassuring us that, no matter what comes our way, we’ll face it with strength, even if it means making “normal” out of things we never thought we’d use so casually just a few years ago.
More pictures available on my Photo gallery.
Technical details: Follonica (GR), Aloha Beach, 02 Gennaio 2022, 11:51
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-120mm 1:4 G ED VR @ 66mm f/11 – 1/250 sec. ISO 800