We are just days away from Christmas, one of the most joyous festivals of the year which brings hope and happiness to many. Christmas for Christians is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ while non-Christians use the occasion to get together with family and friends and celebrate the message of love and hope. 

2020 has been a year that can be described as “annus horribilis” one of the worst years the world has ever faced in modern times. From lives and livelihoods, to sanity and hope, everything seems to have been lost. Amidst this, the advent of Christmas which is also the season for giving and receiving we asked our readers what they want for Christmas…..

“… is a good vacation with my loved ones in a society without any COVID fear.” Wathmee Dodangoda

“...is happiness  because sometimes no matter how hard you try but you end up being hurt.” Suhanee Wijetilake

“… to spend Christmas and the New Year with my parents and my son who I have not seen in 9 months (never in my life have I not seen them for this long!) First time in 23 years that I am not spending Christmas with my Son! If it weren't for the compulsory quarantine, I would have been back in a flash!” Priyanthi De Silva

“… for this whole Covid-19 pandemic situation to end.. To have life and freedom to breath back again....” Rozanne Fernando

 “… to be with family and friends! Because of COVID-19, I had to move out of my parents’ place and I miss living with them so much. Friends - most of them are worried about COVID-19 since they have babies or parents living with them. So I don’t get to see them either. It’s been a year of loving my own company. So all I want for Christmas is to go back to normal where we can hug without thinking twice” Shimalka Bodaragama

“... to have beautiful and memorable moments, filled with love with my precious family.” Michelle Navedh

“… for 2021 to be a better year than 2020. This year has basically being a nightmarish roller coaster ride with people losing lives, jobs etc. We are all struggling to get through the day with no hope about tomorrow so I just wish we could see a light at the end of this tunnel soon.”  Chathumini Kuruppu

"... is our own house because I am tired of shifting one to another house”  Shalomi Jacob

“...a world with no Corona, justice, fairness and equality for everyone regardless of their background or orientation. A world that makes everyone feel safe and loved. It sounds both too simple and too complex, but truly I hope we can see it one day. 2021 would be a good start.” Yasodhara Arawwawela

“…for  the tourism industry to return to normal as soon as possible.” Druvi Gunasekera

“…a vaccine for COVID” Sarinda Unamboowe

“… is 500,000/= to pay off my college fee. It has become a huge burden after the pandemic. I was fine when I started the course though but now I'm stuck” Anisha Musheen

“… to hold my daughter tight. COVID- 19 will not allow her to fly in or me to go and be with her..and it hurts.” Nilakshi Gunatilake

“… to be able it with my family, to hug my children, drive my husband crazy and to hear their laughter echoing through the house.” Uzmila Fayaz

“… to get my visa approved to be with my husband  Being with him for Christmas is unlikely but at least in January if I could go to him” Ramona Judith Abeygunasekera Kolar

“… to be thankful for all that I have right now, family, friends, financial stability and health. There are loads of people away or without their family and friends feeling lonely, some have lost jobs or struggling financially, there are too many people around the globe suffering from all kinds sicknesses. I just want to be thankful this Christmas.” Sewvandi Noronha

“… to see the smiles on the children and adults who are at orphanages. Let this Christmas bring them hope, happiness and love” Silmiya Gulam

 “… is for my fallen hair to come back In full volume.” Devka Senaratne

 “… for everyone to be reunited with their loved ones. Christmas is a time for love.” Chantelle Fernando

 “… a relaxing vacation with my family, as we were badly stressed with online lessons and preparations for them, especially my two kids and I. It is high time to relax a little.” Nadeeshani Perera Amarasekera

 “… good mental and physical health for family.” Karen Rubera

 “… to  come out from single-parent struggles and have enough money for my children's education.” Thushi Thurai

 “… for my friends who struggle with various issues at this time to find hope, healing and wholeness in Christ.” Dhilini Jayatunga

 “…is to return to Sri Lanka.” Fabienne Francotte

 “… one year of political and economic stability.” Kesara Ratnavibhushana

 “… is for people to be more tolerant and compassionate.” Roshani Seneviratne

 “… to have no racism in Sri Lanka and see more equality.” Nadia Issadeen

 “… to bring a bright  future to our disadvantaged children in Sri Lanka.” Sujith Weerasinghe

 “… to see that every single corrupt politician disappears from the face of the earth! The world will be a better place to live for everyone else.” Srimal Abeyasuriya

 “… for travel to resume between India and Sri Lanka.” Riaan George

 “… to be thankful for every single member of my family and friends. We need to appreciate human beings and spread more love.” Marina Rajaratna Motha

 “… for people to know that Christmas about Jesus Christ and that there is hope in the son of God.” Kaushali Jayaweera

“… is our human rights!.” Shafinaaz Aroos Mackie

 “…that Muslims be given their rights of burial.” Suha Cassim

 “…to come back to Sri Lanka and stay for a while in my native Island so that I can dance, learn and share! But it seems to be just a dream today.” Paul Upali Gouello

“ to be able to meet and play freely with my friends again without face masks.” Shimmer Shaheem,5 years

“ the first smile I ever had. The first smile was always a special one which meant a lot. My first ever cricket game for S. Thomas Junior and Senior, when I met my wife, our first house, when we had our kids, my first job and of course my first Christmas gift that I got from Santa. Life was less complicated and appreciated... Life becomes complicated competitive and stressful when you need more and a smile becomes a challenge. The first smile was simple and meaningful.” Pujitha De Silva