I know people are worried about COVID-19 canceling or at least changing the holidays. It is true that our holidays – like everything else in 2020 – will be different, but honestly, I think Christmas is the one thing that is too big to be ruined by a global pandemic.
Yes, you will have to make adjustments. Christmas dinner may be safer with just your immediate family in attendance. Church services will probably take place via Zoom. As a Jew who has been on many online Shabbat services and most recently Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – our holiest of holidays – I can tell you that I still felt connected to my community despite not being able to pray in our sanctuary. I hope and pray it will be the same for you.
And as a bonus, you don’t have to get all dressed up. I watched my son read HafTorah from the comfort of my family room couch wearing my pajamas and fuzzy slippers. While I did miss the fall fashion show that coincides with the holiday every year at temple, I was able to focus even more on the meaning of the holiday instead of which hat Mrs. Levin was wearing this year. I do love her hats!
And let’s face it. Christmas is EVERYWHERE! To get into the holiday spirit, make some egg nog and turn on the Hallmark channel. Blast Christmas carols throughout your home and in the car. Decorate your tree and include those special 2020 ornaments to commemorate the historical year we are having. And surely, twinkling Christmas lights and decorations will still deck our Facebook halls – I mean walls.
Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, the spirit of joy and giving won’t go away. There are plenty of charities to donate to and volunteer your time. Just make sure to don your holiday masks and COVID-themed t-shirts. For my fellow Jews, I haven’t heard of a chocolate gelt or dreidel shortage, so we should be able to celebrate Chanukah just fine.
No matter how or what we celebrate, may we be safe, healthy, and even more grateful and thankful for everything good in our lives. And pray for a more normal 2021!
Robert Krantweiss
October 24, 2020 at 1:54 pm (4 years ago)HAD TO BBE SAID. BOTH MEANINGFUL ANDTOLERANT. I JUST HOPE THAT WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME POSITION NEXT YEAR.
Jeanine Byers
October 23, 2020 at 1:02 pm (4 years ago)Good points all! It certainly is not cancelled. But I do feel for those people who are used to having big family gatherings, traveling to see people they don’t get to see at any other time, or getting together with friends, and now won’t be able to do so.
Angela Vallejo
October 23, 2020 at 10:59 am (4 years ago)I agree. This may actually be the best of Christmas for some — no extra shopping for holiday gift exchanges, no worries about cooking big meals, less traveling. Just time with immediate family and enjoying one another and what the holiday is really about. I’m looking forward to it!
Carol Graham
October 23, 2020 at 9:53 am (4 years ago)Absolutely. I haven’t allowed Covid to cancel anything. Great encouragement here
Cindy Rae Fancher
October 23, 2020 at 9:49 am (4 years ago)I so totally agree, let’s do Christmas and all celebrations related to this time of year in a beautiful magical way. We are not defeated and I want to show my joy for my blessings. Great post thank you!