“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know, where the tree tops glisten, and children listen, to hear sleigh bells in the snow.” – Irving Berlin’s song, “White Christmas”
I’m dreaming… of any Christmas free from the nightmare of COVID-19, and a society not so consumed by its sociopathic narcissism that it can actually cared about the wellbeing of others.
Milwaukee – and the nation – failed the Thanksgiving COVID test, with a record increase of infections and deaths, because people were unable to make the minor sacrifice of skipping the family gatherings this one year.
People are also grappling with financial pressures, as cash-strapped Wisconsin residents struggle to afford holiday gifts while trying to avoid the pandemic. And even though the Christmas table may be full this year, the choice to avoid health warnings could mean that there will be an empty seat in the years ahead.
With basically every public Christmas celebration cancelled or converted into a virtual experience, there has been very little holiday cheer in December to photograph. This collection of images reflects on events from the past five years, and the goal of normality that Milwaukee could potentially return to for Christmas 2021.
© Photo
Lee Matz
