Many things have changed over the past year, including how families spend their holidays. In years past, most families held holiday parties and families would gather and exchange gifts. For some, this may have been one of the only times they get to see other members of their family. Some families would travel, some to other states, some even to other countries, to visit relatives or see the sights.

No matter what happened, it was always a time where families could spend time together without school or work getting in the way. Now, due to COVID, many plans have changed. People can no longer travel or have large family gatherings without risking the health of loved ones.

“We usually travel to my in-laws in southern Wisconsin and spend a couple days there doing both small and large family gatherings, and then we would see my family on Christmas day,” math teacher Sarah Holland said. “This year we have no plans! We will see some family on Zoom, but are not planning any in-person celebrations unless we can do a two-week quarantine first, which might mean celebrating Christmas on New Year’s, if at all.”

Families have had to adapt. Some families have traditions that just can’t be done anymore. Usually stores would be packed with people doing last minute holiday shopping for their families, airports would be fully booked, Christmas parties, parades and small town gatherings would be held. This year though, Christmas shall be a quiet night in with immediate family.

While this all may be a highly unusual way to spend the holidays, some might argue that Christmas will be better this year! Every year families are overwhelmed with holiday shopping, baking for parties, and planning activities so much, that they might not be able to stop and appreciate what Christmas is all about.

They get to spend more time with families without worrying about what activities they are going to be late for. They can relax and start new traditions. “I’m hoping to plan some special activities for my kids since they won’t get to have the big celebrations with their cousins,” Holland said. “I’m thinking of baking cookies, seeing Christmas lights, doing some crafts or projects, and having movie nights with some of the new movies that are available to rent on streaming.”