The Chronicles Of Grant County

Christmas Of 2020

The Murray Hotel in Silver City was decorated with a Christmas Tree, ribbons of lights, and stockings in December of 2018. (The photograph was provided courtesy of Diann Bayes through Flickr, December 15, 2018.)

Christmas in 2020 is going to be different for many, if not most, Christians this year as compared to years past in Grant County. This year's celebrations will likely have far more in common with Christmas of 1918. Residents of Silver City and the rest of the world were faced with a pandemic that was invisible to human eyes. Reports detailed sickness and death most days during the Pandemic of 1918-1919.

According to the United States National Archives and Records Administration, "In one year, the average life expectancy in the United States dropped by 12 years."

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U S CDC) reported that the virus that caused the Pandemic of 1918-1919 continued "to circulate seasonally for 38 years."

Of the 10,971 Native Americans in New Mexico who had influenza, the Federal government reported that 1,245 died during the Pandemic of 1918-1919. The mortality rate for this influenza was 11.3% among Native Americans in New Mexico. The mortality rate was the same in Arizona among Native Americans. The rate was even higher in some other states.

Civil liberties that were considered by many to be sacrosanct were swept away by elected and appointed leaders in their efforts to protect human life. Denver banned more than 2 people from gathering in public. Religious services were cancelled. Funerals were banned. Masks were mandated. Tents erected on the grounds of hospitals crowded with the sick and dying.

All in an effort to save as many lives as possible.

In a news article dated December 4, 1918, in The Evening Current of Carlsbad, it was reported that "Because of the 'flu' conditions all schools of Grant County including the Silver City Normal [today's Western New Mexico University], have been ordered closed until January 1st."

"Health officials have advised that school and other public assemblies in Silver City will not be permitted until after Christmas," according to a news article dated December 8, 1918, in the Albuquerque Morning Journal. "Profiting by the experience of other places which have removed the ban prematurely, it has been decided to spare no expense to give the influenza epidemic in this locality its death blow by the continuation of an unrelenting restriction of anything having a tendency to promote its propagation."

Today, we face the same quandary.

We want our freedom. We cherish our liberty.

Yet many forget that there are responsibilities necessary to have our freedom and our liberty.

A responsibility not only to yourself and your loved ones, but a responsibility to others in our society.

One of the key values of Christianity – and most other faiths in New Mexico and throughout the world – is to do unto others what you would want done unto you. In other words, treat everyone with respect and dignity.

If you do not desire to be infected with this invisible virus, then you must likewise want to make sure – as much as humanely possible – that you are willing to do the same for others. An infection in you might be of modest impact. In fact, there's a chance you'll have no symptoms and no suffering. But your infection can be transferred to others who may then suffer tremendously – who may then die. Because you didn't believe you had a responsibility to your fellow man.

Because you didn't care.

Because you thought that freedom was free. That liberty was attainable without sacrifice.

On December 25 – whether you celebrate Christmas or simply enjoy a day of respite – renew a vow true to the American spirit. A vow that you will do the best you can to protect yourself and your loved ones as well as your neighbors and your fellow man from the ravages of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease.

Wear a mask. Wear a mask that works. Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose snuggly. Add a face shield if possible.

Keep your distance from others. Stay at least 6 feet away from others in public.

Don't gather indoors with people outside your immediate household.

On a regular basis, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

A full list of suggestions is available from the U S CDC by clicking here.

This Christmas, celebrate life. Cherish life. It may be done from a distance this year, but you can do it.

If you know of someone who doesn't have anyone in their lives, give them a call. Let them know you care about them. Listen to them.

If you need help yourself, give someone a call. Talk about the important things in life. Discuss the small items that go unnoticed by most.

Remember that the grocer, retail clerk, janitor, delivery person, sanitation worker, cashier, and others providing a service to you and your loved ones are human beings worthy of respect and dignity.

Remember that the police officer, fire fighter, paramedic, and others providing help to you and your loved ones in emergencies are human beings worthy of respect and dignity.

Remember that the nurse, doctor, nursing home aide, home health care worker, and others providing assistance to you and your loved ones when in need of medical care are human beings worthy of respect and dignity.

Above all, remember that you are loved. Even when you're all alone. Even when you don't have faith beyond what you can see. You are loved. You are worthy of respect and dignity.

Christmas Day in the Gila National Forest in 2019. (The photograph was provided courtesy of Robert Brown through Flickr, December 25, 2019.)

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© 2020 Richard McDonough