CEYLAN HASSAN
Sitting in a coffee chain store with the sun peeping in and out of the clouds, a slight breeze and just a poncho on to keep me warm, it’s quite hard to believe that December has already arrived.
Sunshine, a little chilly and decorations beginning to appear in stores, well this is how we say Hello to December on the island North Cyprus. I wish somehow it could be like London, yet I remember it wouldn’t be the country it is then.
Whereas when I flash back to previous years, I recall ice-cold mornings, menu changes in restaurants, not leaving the house without a woolly hat and scarf on, Christmas decorated windows and winter warmers and if we’re really lucky then watching the little snowfall from my bedroom window. That’s how I would describe December in general, especially if I was in London, another year and I’m continuing to live in North Cyprus so of course places are different as are people.
December is always special, whether it be about Christmas for many, family and loved ones, the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) birthday or the year coming to an end. Whatever it may be, December is special.
To me it is special because of quite a few reasons, one being my nieces birthday (she was actually born on Christmas day almost five years ago) and another is the year coming to an end. That may seem odd to some of you because why would you want the year to end or time to continue passing by so fast. That’s just it, I want anything but that, yet when December arrives it’s the relief that the year is almost over, the chance to leave all the bad memories, the sad times and unfortunate happenings that may have happened in that year whether you liked it or not.
This year was that little bit more special and those who know me personally will know why, but that certainly doesn’t mean it was all fun and games either. It was hard, tiring and at times even draining, would I change any of it? Maybe more than I would usually actually.
So December I want to say Hello and welcome you not only with open arms and a smile, but also with a woolly hat and winter boots too- (they haven’t come out the cupboard yet). There isn’t long for the festive season either so embrace December and its value, it’ll be a whole 11 months later by the time we meet the next one.
