There is a Greek song written in the eighties that got a new life to it. Written by Greek songwriter Loukianos Kilaidonis it had at its time a humorous, self-sustaining tone to it. Its title “I will stay home.” The song speaks of and exalts nesting and cocooning, staying home and not answering to outside world demands, and temptations that could lead to trouble.
Greek musicians reenacted the song recently, with singers filmed at their own homes during the lockdown in Athens. The new version uses the same lyrics with a new line added and a visual adaptation to the 2020 corona-home-staying reality.
Although imposed upon us from the government, I make it a point to find one good thing that could come out of the lockdown.
I dread another phase of endless cooking and preparing of holiday meals for the family but am constantly reminded that we are privileged to be still able to afford to buy and cook our own food. I switch immediately to a gratitude mode for the nourishment we can provide for our family.
I think of those with businesses that will be shut, and feel concerned about their ability to revive them past the lockdown.
I think of people I know in our neighborhood who live alone.
I had made it a custom at the previous lockdown to go by their homes, call them to come out and chat with them, me being on the road them being in their gardens, balconies or open spaces. We exchanged our news, we gave each other strength to go through the season. At times, I would leave home-cooked food hanging outside their door, or flowers to cheer them up. At others, an encouraging note, lifting their spirits.
It is easier to go through another lockdown when you know that somebody out there is checking on you and looking after you.
“Am I my brother’s keeper?”
It seems that this holiday season coming upon us we will once again become brothers and sisters.
Brothers and sisters watch out for each other, keeping each other away from danger. Guarding each other from loneliness and estrangement, by calling, messaging and showing up for each other. Supporting each other when they are down.
Let this high-holiday season treat each other like our family!
May this New Year coming upon us face our challenges as a family, filled with care for each other. May in our holiday nesting have an eye too on our neighbors’ wellbeing; ensuring we all come out of this high-holiday lockdown together, with abundant nourishment in our plates, hearts and souls.
From Jerusalem with love,
Yvette Nahmia-Messinas