Queen Elizabeth: Many people want nothing more than a "hug"

                 What many want as a gift this year is just a hug, Queen Elizabeth of Britain said in her annual Christmas message.

               She added that celebrations will be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones due to the Covid-19 pandemic and who have not been able to meet their families due to the restrictions imposed to combat it.

               In her regular recorded speech to her country on Christmas Day, the 94-year-old Queen repeatedly mentioned hope for the future while admitting that millions of Britons will not be able to enjoy their regular festivities this year.

               "Of course for many, this time of year will be marred by grief and mourning over the loss of loved ones. Others will miss their friends and family because of the distances that separate them as safety measures, when all they really want is just a hug or a warm handshake," she said.

               She continued, "If you are one of them, you are not alone. Let me assure you that you are in my heart and prayers."

               Even the Queen has not performed her usual Christmas celebrations and will spend the holiday quietly at Windsor Castle with her husband, Prince Philip, 99.

               "Wonderfully, the year in which people were forced to stay away from each other brought us together in various ways," she said, noting that the royals were inspired by the stories of those who volunteered to help the needy.

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