By Kaitlyn Bell
Planning for holiday festivities has always been a stressful part of the season. Unfortunately in 2020, it seems the stress has only been amplified. Will normal traditions be safe to celebrate? What are the guidelines for the holidays? How will families be involved in festivities? All of these questions are in the minds of families and people ready to celebrate, hoping that the year will not, once again, disappoint.
The holiday season is normally a hopeful time of year and although many continue to carry that hope through the continuing weeks, celebrating the holidays in a pandemic is an unprecedented time for all. With that being said, many people are doing their best to adjust to the recent changes and make the best of the holidays.
The CDC outlines considerations and limitations for the holidays as well as steps to stay safe during the holiday season. This includes exposure during travel, location of gatherings, how it may affect social distancing and spread, and the basic CDC recommendations, which include wearing a mask, washing hands, and socially distancing.
“We are keeping celebrations to immediate family. It’s very upsetting to be unable to celebrate with relatives but we have been communicating as much as we can through phone calls, FaceTimes, Zooms, etc...”
Family gatherings during the holiday season are one of the biggest ways to connect with loved ones. Considering COVID-19, celebrations will be drastically different. Older adults have been proven to be at a greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and this is a factor that has been heavily considered by families. Some options which people have used to communicate with their families and friends throughout quarantine are Zoom meetings, FaceTime, and phone calls.
With these technological opportunities, many families plan to continue to stay at home during the holidays with their immediate families and virtually gather with other relatives and friends.
Source by Saanvi Mirchandani
Many holiday celebrations this year will be taking place virtually on platforms such as Google Meet.
“We are keeping celebrations to immediate family. It’s very upsetting to be unable to celebrate with relatives but we have been communicating as much as we can through phone calls, FaceTimes, Zooms, etc,” said freshman Olivia Loubriel.
Staying hopeful and safe during this holiday season will in the long run be beneficial to the well-being of all.
“I cannot be with my extended family for this holiday but I know it is best for everyone. Being safe now and not with family during the current holiday season ensures that holidays next year will be better and filled with more family gatherings,” said freshman Georgina Giannatsis.
Although this holiday season will not be like prior years, staying safe and healthy continues to be an important factor that families consider.