This year is strange and, for many, sad when it comes to the holidays. Now that we aren’t allowed to gather more than 10 in one room, some people’s Christmases will be altered.
Now, I know people are still going to celebrate and gather, which I cannot blame them. As much as I am very adamant about taking the pandemic seriously, I also understand Christmas is the one time where you get to see your whole family for some.
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I come from a huge family. Our average Christmas gathering is about 45 people, and we have two new additions to that family this year, not including new significant others who also have made appearances.
We all come together at my grandparents’ house and exchange gifts and have breakfast every Christmas morning.
 Obviously, we had to change plans this year. We haven’t figured out a plan for sure as of now what we are going to do, but we have options.
One option was a drive-thru gift exchange. All gifts will be dropped off beforehand, then you drive to the grandparents’ and accept your gift and open them then. Breakfast may be out of the question for this one, but it’s an option to at least safely see everyone.
Another option was just to have a virtual Christmas, although getting my older relatives to work Zoom may be a challenge.
We even had the option of holding it outdoors at my grandparents’ house, but with the high temperature expected to be 32 degrees, that idea may not work.
However we decide to spend Christmas, it is a great alternative to having a normal Christmas. I only say all this because if you want to have Christmas and it seems unsafe and irresponsible, then get creative. Figure out a way that lets everyone enjoy the holidays.
This Christmas will just be a special one. This whole year has been a balancing act of following protocol and figuring out a way to continue. We have to be adaptive and Christmas shouldn’t be ruined because you don’t want to accommodate with safety.
If you figure out a plan this Christmas, make sure to be respectful and responsible.
Christmas isn’t ruined; it’s just precautionary. The worst Christmas gift would be to receive a positive test result, especially to other members of your family.
Standard reporter Taylor Moore can be reached at 473-2191.