The holidays bring about cheer and splendor across the world, with grand celebrations being a norm in many households. This year, the holidays have met the gloom of COVID that has swept across the globe. Despite the panic and pain that COVID has caused, there is hope that the holidays bear with them better days. This year, health and safety concerns have been paramount for any marked event, and with holiday celebrations, this is set to continue.

‍How will the holidays be different this year from last year?

‍There is no doubt that the wake of the COVID pandemic and its surge in different areas has been the highlight of 2020. The holidays will face major impacts in a bid to keep the Coronavirus from spreading.

For one, rigorous plans for the number of people that can be in the same abode to mark celebrations have to be made. This complies with the set-out health regulations and calls for the need to make a plan. Secondly, online shopping will increase as people aim to get their hands on pleasures for the festivities. With more people avoiding public places, there is earlier shopping from eCommerce sites. The duration of gatherings may also involve a short period to reduce the risk of COVID. Further, the holidays will face more tense practices. People in groups will practice social distancing, wear masks, and regularly wash their hands.

‍How will the effects of COVID make people feel this holiday season?

The stressful impact of COVID will still be felt during the holiday season. Most people will worry about the risk of contracting the virus, and the hosts of these events will be dreadful of the circumstances. With alerts on the surge of the pandemic, there is bound to be panic as people celebrate.

‍In what ways can we cope with COVID during the holidays?

To help cope with the pandemic's effects, there is a need to adhere to the set out regulations. If we practice washing hands, wearing a mask, and maintaining social distance, we will minimize exposure. This is essential during the holidays.

Further, there is a need to minimize exposure during travel. Where we travel could put one at high risk. You also risk bringing the virus back. By carefully selecting locations and being aware of the infection rate, you can stay active about the correct protocols to take. This helps to keep everyone safe.

‍How can we still celebrate with our loved ones when we cannot gather in large numbers?

It is possible to mark important holidays with our loved ones. With the doom and gloom that the pandemic has brought, we can find many reasons to be thankful. We can still celebrate without gathering. We can do this by having Zoom calls, mailing presents, or using social platforms. You can even decorate driveways with displays of jubilation.

How do we keep the holiday spirit alive while living in a pandemic?  

‍Embracing the holiday spirit despite the pandemic can seem like a daunting task. However, to get past the pandemic's downsides, we can practice traditions that make the holidays come alive.  We can do this by preparing traditional meals, practicing religious tidings, giving to the needy, or listening to holiday songs.  It is essential to uphold traditions that bring about jolly moments and keep our souls alive. We can still make safe arrangements to spread the holiday spirit and yet follow the health mandates.  

‍What are some positives about being in quarantine with the ones closest to you?  

‍Being in quarantine should not be downright gruesome. Some perks come along with the close proximity to a loved one. When you're at home with a loved one, you have fewer safety concerns due to interactions. You also learn about your family or partner on a deeper level. Another perk includes spending more time with your kids. This enhances connections further and generally leads to improved well-being.There are also some positives if you are quarantining alone. You could take up a new hobby, make some home improvement or craft projects, and even practice self-care. Remember, if you are quarantining alone, please stay connected with your friends and family. Spending too much time alone can cause us to feel lonely and isolated. As a community, we need to embrace one another with a grateful heart in the wake of the pandemic. Fortunately, in the holiday seasons, we can enable vibrant moments of jubilation with our grand spirits. Adaptability and resilience are key as we mark the holiday seasons and navigate through this pandemic.

If someone has lost a loved one during the holidays, how do they cope and keep the spirit of their loved one alive during the holidays?

‍The tragic loss of a loved one during the holiday can meet mixed feelings. There are many ways to keep the spirit of our loved ones alive by practicing such rituals as:

·     Lighting a candle

·     Having their favorite meal on the holidays

·     Creating a special tradition

·     Hanging an ornamental item like a stocking with their name

·     Or seeking gratitude are some of the ways to deal with grief during the holidays.

How Sorché is Spending her Holidays

Like many this year, my holidays look a little different. I can't fly home to see my family. I come from a huge family, so this will be especially hard for me. My parents are getting older, my siblings have grown up, and I am so lucky to have my grandparents still here with me. But I don't know when I will get to see them next. This pandemic has made it too risky for me to travel. So this year, I celebrate from afar. I will celebrate near as well, here in Taos. I cannot and will not take this time for granted and be sad about what I may be missing out on. This year, my spirits will be extra high. I will still dance, sing, and cook my traditional holiday meals. I will look around me and see whom I can help in this difficult time. I will remind others that they are not alone. I will offer my high hopes, and I will share my stories, I will be merry merry merry.  It's difficult to say that you'll be merry, but even this pandemic cannot crush generations of family tradition. It is up to each of us to be resilient and fight against this force we cannot see. This pandemic has taken so much from us and our peace. Hang in there, Taos. Happy Holidays!

WEBSITE: thehummagazine.com

‍EMAIL: sorche@thehummedia.com

‍IG: thehummagazine