New Holiday Traditions

​This year, like no other, marks a time when we must find new ways to celebrate old holiday traditions. As I write this, the coronavirus pandemic is raging. Getting together to celebrate the holidays is something many health experts suggest we forgo this year to limit the risk to ourselves and those we love. So as resourceful Americans, we are finding ways of making new holiday traditions.

I usually hold a holiday get together for friends and neighbors. But since we’re all of a certain age and don’t want to risk getting or passing the coronavirus, I plan to meet with them individually outside, socially distant and masked. We can share a cup of cheer on each other’s patios or porches. Even though we won’t be together as a group, we’ll still have time with each other.
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I will decorate my house. I love the holiday lights, the tree, wreaths, and garland. Just looking at all of them makes me smile! I’ll share pictures on Facebook and Instagram so everyone can enjoy my decorations even if they don’t visit my house.

I won’t be traveling to Denver to be with my family. It’s just too risky for my nephew who is a transplant recipient and highly susceptible to infection. But we can still unwrap gifts together via video phone calls.

I do plan on baking cookies as well as my infamous rum-soaked fruitcake. I’ll spread holiday cheer by leaving them on friends’ doorsteps and mailing them to my family. As my nephew in St. Louis said, “by the time the cookies arrive any virus will be dead.”

And this year, I’ve promised myself that I’ll spend time playing Christmas carols on my piano. I’m sure my dogs and cats will be an attentive audience!
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The holidays are a time of hope, laughter, and good will to all. We can still share these things with family and friends via Zoom or FaceTime or Skype. Who knows what new and wonderful traditions we’ll create this year.

Wishing you a healthy, safe, and joyous holiday season!