A Walk to Remember: Christmas 2020 in Reflection

Christmas Day 2020 was one for the books, and not in a Hallmark-movie kind of way. With the world in Covid lockdown and having recently lost both parents, it felt like life had hit pause in the strangest, most heartbreaking way. To clear my head, I grabbed my boots, my camera, and a sense of determination, heading out for a long walk through the silent, grey wilderness.

The air was crisp, the skies heavy with clouds, and the world seemed almost otherworldly in its stillness. The photos I captured told the story of that day better than words: bare trees standing strong by a reflective lake, a lonely road stretching endlessly, and puddles that framed the sky like a mirror. Nature was raw and beautiful, reminding me that even in bleak times, there’s resilience and quiet strength all around us.

Later, I returned home to my wife and kids. Despite the oddness of a scaled-down Christmas, the warmth of family brought a sense of comfort. We laughed, ate, and found joy in simply being together. It wasn’t a grand celebration, but it was a heartfelt one—a reminder of what really matters.

That Christmas taught me that even in the messiest years, there’s beauty, resilience, and moments of magic waiting to be found. Sometimes, all you need is a walk, a camera, and the people you love to see it.