Bright hopes are awakened – the mayor's Christmas reflection 2020

Christmas reflection from the mayor 2020

We await the Christmas festivities in unusual circumstances, bringing to a close a year no one could have imagined. During Advent, we prepare for a festival of light and peace, hopeful that brighter days lie ahead. This year has been one great learning experience. We have faced adversity together, learned new ways in our work and social lives. We have tackled unprecedented challenges, getting to know each other and ourselves in a new way. We have experienced a new reality – together.

One big family

Here in Hafnarfjörður, the year began with a tragic accident at the harbour when three young boys were in danger, two of them in a life-threatening condition for a long time. It was remarkable to feel the tangible solidarity and compassion that emerged in our town in the aftermath. Uncertainty was great, but the people of Hafnarfjörður became like one big family, praying for their recovery, and we saw the miracle happen. Great joy accompanied that gift from God. But life also takes away; loved ones pass on, and my thoughts are with those who will be spending Christmas in the shadow of the year's traumas.

The Christmas lights warm hearts

Hafnarfjörður has become a veritable Christmas town. The Christmas lights were put up here earlier than ever before, and the town has never been so beautifully decorated. It was lovely to see how quickly the residents got into the spirit of things and also lit up their homes and gardens. It is no exaggeration to say that the soft, beautiful lights bring warmth and brightness to our hearts. People have also been flocking to the town centre to enjoy the beautiful lights, and to Hellisgerði, where, for the first time, a unique Christmas wonderland has been created. The splendour of the Christmas lights and the natural beauty are magnificent in this nearly century-old park of ours, belonging to the people of Hafnarfjörður. It has been wonderful to see the reception and how our town and its social life have flourished during Advent.

Bright hopes for the new year

A new year, new opportunities and new challenges lie ahead. I look forward to facing them with you in the new year, with joy at the forefront. When love is at the heart of what we do, anything is possible. I would like to thank my colleagues at Hafnarfjörður Municipality wholeheartedly for their invaluable performance and professionalism in the year that is drawing to a close. It has required great cohesion and solidarity to make all the diverse services provided by the municipality function as well as they have. To all of you and other friends of Hafnarfjörður, I extend my best wishes for a good and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.  

Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir
Mayor of Hafnarfjörður