Around this time of year, people are either preparing wish lists or attempting to fulfil wish lists. Some are long and materialistic, whilst others may be short and sentimental.

Some may be hoping for new toys, jewellery, clothes or electronic items. Others simply want to be around their loved ones.

In the year 2022, many persons around the world are simply happy to just to be able to freely socialise once again. No doubt caterers, restaurants, and event organisers are grateful that Covid restrictions are gone, even though Covid and the ‘flu season are still around.

Despite the naysaying, Bermuda and Bermudians have a lot to be grateful for. We have been spared from natural disasters like droughts or hurricanes. Yes, like the rest of the world, many prices have gone up, of that we cannot avoid.

Yet through it all, we have been able to enjoy our first real Good Friday, Bermuda Day, Carnival Weekend, Cup Match and Remembrance Day in three years, along with countless overdue family reunions, school graduations and just being able to gather in our respective social circles.

Indeed, it is those human interactions that prove to be priceless beyond measure.

Resolve to evolve

As for 2023, we are in a space that we have to realise that there variables beyond the control of any government anywhere in the world. No island will ever control the prices of fuel, food, or air travel. Just take a look at the United Kingdom. A country that has natural resources of gas and food production still cannot control prices hikes at the pump or in the supermarkets.

What many of us can control is spending more than we need to spend. Bringing lunch to work versus take-out, unplugging appliances that we use infrequently, and refraining from excessive online shopping. Remember it is not how much you make but how much you save or invest.

Most importantly, our best investments are in our physical and mental health. Take time to do some form of exercise, cut down on the sugar intake and do not be afraid or ashamed to visit medical or mental health professionals.

This goes especially for my fellow males. Too many of us try to play tough guy until it is too late. Please do not let our egos lead us to the emergency room.

In closing, I am grateful for the support of anyone who takes the time to read any given column. Columnists, like everyone else, have varying experiences, perspectives, and political views in life. Despite knowing beforehand that they will never have universal support for what they write, they still take hours to compose, edit and submit pieces every week.

Persons such as John Barritt, Khalid Wasi, Jonathan Starling, Vic Ball, and Beverley Connell, have the courage to publicly say what they think or feel on topics. On any given day, they actually have been a great source of inspiration for me to up my game.

Heck, perhaps next year The Royal Gazette will take a wild leap in technology and have an online panel of their very own diverse columnists discussing various topics. You know, kinda like Question Time on British Broadcasting Company aka BBC.Thanks in advance, Santa Editor!

Thanks to the people of Devonshire for your continued tough love, weekly advice, and baked goods for Parish Pride volunteers. Far too many to mention by name. May God bless and keep you all into 2023.

Love you all.

TCF

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com