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Hong Kong society
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Christmas spirit of compassion can help a Hong Kong that is still healing

While celebrations will be restrained in honour of the lives lost in the Tai Po fire, Christmas can still be a source of comfort in difficult times

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The WestK Christmas Forest at the West Kowloon Cultural District on December 19. Photo: Jonathan Wong
SCMP Editorial
Christmas this year has come at a time of deep sadness in Hong Kong as the city recovers from the horrific Tai Po fire, remembering those who lost their lives. For many, the joy and merriment that the festive season usually brings will be conspicuous by its absence as efforts continue to help victims of the blaze, which killed at least 161 people and left nearly 5,000 more displaced.

Christmas, falling just ahead of the new year, provides an opportunity for reflection. There will be a steely resolve to ensure lessons are learned and similar tragedies prevented. Action is needed – and is being taken – on many fronts.

This is also a season of compassion and kindness, when thoughts turn to those who are suffering and in need of support. The community, which has come together to assist people affected by the fire, has approached the holiday in that spirit.

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Festive events were initially cancelled or postponed as the city mourned. There will be no New Year’s Eve fireworks, but many activities have been repurposed to raise funds for victims of the fire. Operation Santa Claus, the annual campaign organised by the Post and public broadcaster RTHK, has launched an emergency appeal to assist families affected by the tragedy, alongside efforts to draw donations for 13 local charities. Christmas events and activities have gradually resumed, but they are respectful and restrained. This is an appropriate response. There is a balance to be struck.

The colourful lights, uplifting decorations, seasonal markets and friendly gatherings have also returned, from Christmas Town in Central to the forest of festive trees in West Kowloon.

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Christmas can be a source of comfort in difficult times. The festival, with its customary good cheer and sense of togetherness, can be heartwarming and help the city come to terms with the tragedy.

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