When the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK at the beginning of 2020, I don’t think any of us envisaged that the virus would still be causing so much disruption to our lives at Christmas time. Sadly this is the situation we all find ourselves in and there is no doubt that Christmas 2020 will be like no other.

The office Christmas parties and huge family gatherings have been cancelled and we all face a greatly scaled down festive period.

It will be tough not seeing all of our friends and family at this special time of year, but it is important that we keep in mind the reason we can’t and focus on better times ahead.

Whilst it is worrying that case numbers are still high in some areas, we must not overlook the progress that has been made in tackling this virus, and the vast ongoing efforts to ensure that 2021 will be a much better year for us all.

The fact the UK was the first country in the world to approve a vaccine, which is now being administered countrywide, is an incredible feat and provides much hope for the future.

It is also great that care home residents in North Wales are now receiving the vaccine, as this will soon enable many vulnerable people to be reunited with their families after months of no contact.

There is at last some light at the end of what has been a very long, dark tunnel, but in the meantime we must all play our part to ensure progress is not hindered, and that our hardworking NHS staff are not once again overwhelmed.

They and other key workers have been doing valiant work throughout this pandemic and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them.

As we sit down for our Christmas lunch, let’s be thankful for all the great things that we do have in our lives, think of those less fortunate than ourselves, and raise a glass to better times ahead.

Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda