Reconsider the Nature of Christmas: 7 Ways for Safer Holiday
It was beginning to be very wild and quiet. You might be reading James Dickey's "Deliverance" one more time or you're thinking of watching Steven Soderbergh's "Contagion" (after your coursemate recommends it). You also think of traditional Christmas, which you won't witness this year. The rising number of Covid-19 cases should force you to reconsider the nature of Christmas. It's still possible to celebrate it, but safety protocol should prompt you to think of your options.
You recalled how your belly was full, the dishes cleaned, and your family sacked out on the couch. It could happen if you avoid seeing everyone at once. This different set-up might make you invest in a more nourishing indulgence, inspire you more and put it onto a page. You don't know if it would be a short story or a novella, but there's no need for a virtual meeting with an award-winning author, who can help you turn those ideas into a short story or novella, very soon. This post reminds you of keeping Christmas familiar when everything feels different. You might not be interested in watching Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" (with your family), as you rather watch your sister standing up and proclaim, "It's not over yet!". "The Wizard of Oz" may be a good option.
How to Minimize the Risks
Postpone gathering with family or friends. You're thinking of your parents and/or sibling(s). There's no guarantee that it will be the safest option, but you can't imagine spending Christmas Day by your lonesome. You're thinking of spending a day in a shelter, if not a charity, but winter is here. If you're a resident of a red state, then think twice about going out. (The vaccine is not available to everyone. Yet.) You can make it up this spring. (President-elect Joe Biden asked Americans to wear a mask for 100 days after his inauguration.) A midsummer Christmas would be great, but you can attract stares. Some might roll their eyes, but it's your party. As the president-elect would put it, this is a patriotic duty.
Consider outdoors. Ventilation will be an issue, so think before you speak. Celebrating outdoors isn't risk-free, but you can sing a Christmas song in this setting. (Make sure that it's a tune that won't annoy your family.) The outdoors allows you to keep a further distance, and the cold air will remind you not to spend a long time at the table. Think about alcohol next year. If you still miss your extended family and/or buddies, then...
Plan your visit. Timing matters most. If you still don't have a clue (or you're living in denial), then make a short visit to your extended family and/or friends. Fifteen minutes would do. (Wear a mask, and keep your distance.) You can deliver your gifts and have a short conversation. You can continue your chat on Zoom.
Observe table manners. It's not about talking while chewing the food. Avoid touching things that guests have touched, shared food dishes included. No background music. (Your choice of music might elicit a comment from guests. If they raise their voices, they can emit droplets.) And you can volunteer on washing the dishes. (It must not be the most vulnerable person.) If the dining table is not too long, then opt for separate tables in the living room. But don't turn on the remote.
What if someone invites you? It might be rude to turn it down, so ask the one who invited you. There's nothing wrong if you inquire about physical distancing. (Covid-19 is not a political issue.) If you get an offended response, then you know your next move. You can also plan a virtual celebration, where you can show off your meal on Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day). There's a chance that someone might let his (or her) guard down, so...
Keep your home (and yourself) clean. Use a disinfectant. Take a bath. Drink hot tea or hot lemon. You must also use separate bathrooms. You can go on quarantine for fourteen days before Christmas. It applies to those who are asymptomatic carriers, but you might be paranoid. It's a good thing, but you can't expect other members of your family to do the same thing. Politics is partly to blame for this one, but you can't let it ruin your holiday. Rearrange the furniture in the living room. Place the food and silverware on the table properly. No wine.
Plan a virtual party. It won't be a good idea to reminisce about past festivities, as there's a probability that Americans must wear and keep a distance next winter. (And it's not nice to give your two cents on the short, sad life of the Brighton Christmas tree.) Talk about the generous act of Warner Bros. (You can watch "Wonder Woman 1984" in your living room. Make sure that your cable network includes HBO Max.) You can also hope for a better life next year. (Aren't you delighted at Jim Carrey's portrayal of Joe Biden in "Saturday Night Live"? Let's not forget Maya Rudolph's impersonation of Kamala Harris.) And you can find comfort in that thought that you're in the middle of a chaotic time, and no one might find you immediately. (Your parents might be talking about politics. Again. And your sibling would be chatting with his/her friends.) Keep an open mind, so you won't be disheartened.
The "Pets" I'm Thankful For
You have Christmas rituals, and one of which is expressing your gratitude. Give thanks to your fur buddy. Be grateful for the dinner that you would share with your family. (Zoom Christmas also applies here.) And you must be delighted about having more time for midterms. Let's not forget the urban wildlife surrounding you. It should keep you from depression, but anxiety is another thing. What have you read lately?
