Adjusting to Christmas in a COVID World

It’s 2020 — Christmas is all but normal.

I remember, vividly, the one Christmas season throughout my childhood where my Grammy had the brilliant idea to continue our Christmas meals with soup, or even b-b-q, rather than the traditional ham and turkey. I must make note: my family is extremely grateful for our time together, as long as it stays as “normal” as possible.

Although Grammy was eager to create new traditions, it was evident that the rest of her family was all but eager to do so. Nonetheless, this is how I foresee the holiday season within 2020 being for some households.

It is all but a hidden secret what the existence of COVID-19 is and all it has done to our world. The new norm involves cute and trendy face masks, the idea of social distancing, and washing your hands until they become raw… but then continuing to wash them. All of which keep us safe and are essential to help guide us back to our once normal.

I will be the first to agree with anyone who makes the argument that this holiday season is all but traditional; which might as well call for an oversized pot of soup rather than a ham or smoked turkey. With families gathering in smaller settings and with less people, I hope to leave you with some encouragement: cherish the times we have. COVID-19 is life-changing. Families are now sending Zoom links in hopes to continue the holiday spirit with their loved ones, via webcam. Although COVID is not what most expected, Christmas is still here!

I look forward to the day I can go to Grammy’s house for the traditional Christmas, or even soup for that matter. Until then, I will be on our family Zoom call.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!