The radiant gift of goodness

Holiday decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Life has a way of reminding us there’s a greater power than us in the world. Even a simple thing, like the morning sun illuminating a snowy field, shows us a radiant, expansive beauty we couldn’t create on our own, but can always experience. It’s part of a goodness, a peace, that is often closer to us than we know. It’s innate to us, and we live in the midst of it. 

So often we feel that pull to rush into the holidays, swept up in a world that appears long on strife, but short on hope. But this time of year, we have the opportunity to reflect a bit more on the good we know, and what might come from it. Indeed, there is always a great deal of goodness and love being shared – the key is to keep our eyes more open to these qualities, and know we have them to freely give to others.

There was a heart-warming example recently, of 13 strangers stranded after a canceled flight in Orlando, Florida. Instead of despairing, they opted to rent a van and make the trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, together. As the CNN feature reported, they formed “an impromptu community”, and the results were moving. An aspiring college student, who thought she may miss the chance to visit her dream school in Knoxville, was able to do so. 

"I feel like this situation for me specifically kind of restored my trust and humanity a little bit," one passenger told CNN. "There's definitely hope for people — people, they can be good."

Also, here in the Upper Valley, another story touched our hearts. Following the many outages from last weekend’s storm, a Canadian line worker, who was far from home, went to the Wal-Mart in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, to pick up some things. When he was about to pay, he realized that they did not take Apple Pay and needed to go back to his truck to get his wallet. Well, he got back to the register to find that the people in line after him had paid for all his items, showing gratitude for his work in the field. 

We can take something meaningful from these stories: that spark of good is always at the ready, wherever our journey takes us. It’s there to touch our lives and remind us how innately good we are. Anything that would turn us inward, is very much like the cloud hiding the sun. The light can’t be stopped from being light; there’s something about our very being that looks out from self, and is ready to help others.

Whatever the situation, we are empowered to rise above any challenges and be a light for hope – even through a simple act of kindness. The more we focus on reflecting goodness and love in our lives, the more we’ll see them in action all around us, too. On days when those qualities seem in short supply, we can pause and know they are still around, still being expressed — and sometimes, they are just around the corner, waiting for us to embrace them. That’s the true spirit of the holidays. It never stops giving. Good is continuous, and it really is the best gift of all.

— Gareth Henderson

Wassail Weekend returning to Woodstock

Mike Johnson (left) and Rob Tracy lead a team of horses in a prior Wassail Parade in Woodstock, Vt. Click here for the 2021 Wassail Weekend schedule. (Photo Provided)

Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend is back this year, including its famous Wassail Parade in the village this coming Saturday. 

A host of festivities will take place Friday through Sunday, Dec. 10-12, with the parade starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday as usual. The parade includes 35 entries and starts at the East End, heads downtown, and circles The Green with the crowds looking on. For another transportation option, a free shuttle bus will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, going from Woodstock Union High School to the Welcome Center in the village.

Wassail Weekend didn’t happen last year due to the pandemic, and a virtual parade was held online. People can’t wait to see the real thing again and take part in a festive weekend of holiday fun, said Beth Finlayson, executive director of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce. And, visitors have been planning on this for some time. 

“Everyone’s so excited,” Finlayson said. “People have had their reservations for months.” 

She also received multiple calls from people wanting to make sure the traditional parade was back on.

“The people in the parade do such a great job, dressing up both themselves and their horses,” Finlayson said. 

On Friday to start things off, Billings Farm & Museum is holding its annual “Christmas at the Farm” activities throughout the day and weekend. Pentangle Arts gets the season’s music going on Friday night, with a concert by “Irish Christmas in America” starting at 7:30 p.m. 

There are several new things in the festivities this year. Phil Warren will be giving horse-drawn carriage rides around Woodstock Village, starting at People’s United Bank, on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, the Chamber is holding its first-ever Gingerbread contest, with winners being announced Saturday. Also on Saturday, Artistree will offer Drop-In Ornament Making from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a craft fair at the Masonic Lodge in Woodstock Village on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Some refreshments will be available on The Green as well. Vicki Ferentinos and Shannon Lee will offer some festive treats, with their set-up adorned by a six-foot tall Nutcracker they built. Also, the Chamber will be serving Wassail punch and the WUHS Hockey Team will offer hot chocolate and coffee.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., Woodstock Rotary continues its cherished tradition of brightening The Green with 400 luminaries for the evening. 

For some, this will be their first Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, and that includes Alex Beram and his family. He and his wife, Christy, purchased The Village Butcher earlier this year. He’ll be part of what’s historically been a bustling downtown during the second weekend in December, with shoppers and diners heading around to various businesses. 

“Being new to the community, I’ve  been so impressed with the events and the organization, just the way that the town and the whole community come together,” Alex said, saying of Wassail: “It should be a great couple of days, and we’re excited to be part of it.” 

For the full schedule of Wassail Weekend events, click here for details. To reach the Chamber of Commerce, call 802-457-3555 or send an email to info@woodstockvt.com.

— Gareth Henderson

Light shining through darkness

From left, Jeff Kahn, Dan Gottlieb and Rachel Kahn light the Menorah at Congregation Shir Shalom’s celebration of Hannukah on Friday night. It was Shir Shalom’s first in-person Hannukah Celebration in two years. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In darkness, there is always a glimmer of light. That’s because each of us has the brilliant light of goodness and love to shine out and share with the world. 

On a frigid winter evening on Friday, the members of Congregation Shir Shalom in Woodstock, Vermont, gathered for their first in-person Shabbat and Hannukah Celebration in two years. Gathered together outside for lighting the Menorah, they sang together and heard words of inspiration from Rabbi Ilene Haigh. 

“Each of us holds a light inside of us, and particularly at this time of year, at this moment, particularly this year, we have the ability to share that light, to spread that light from one person to the next person, and to fill the world with light and hope,” she said. 

Spreading light at a time of darkness is central to Hannukah. This eight-day celebration commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where the Jewish people rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Central to the story is that even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for one day, the flames remained for eight nights, leaving enough time to find a fresh supply. Hence, the eight-day festival. 

Today, in a much different world and a different time, the world is crying out for light, for good, for more hope. Today’s tensions — whether about health, politics, economics, or other factors — can very much seem to have the upper hand. In times like these, however, it's crucial to share goodness with others, and to let unselfish acts of kindness and community outshine the darkness. That’s how we show good is more powerful and more important to progress than its opposite. Darkness would turn us toward conflict, while the light of good is familiar to all, connects us through compassion, and helps us strive together for better days. 

Rather than yielding to discouragement, let’s make this holiday season a time of joy and collective, uplifting love that inspires us each day. We have the ability — right now — to cultivate the goodness that propels the best qualities in ourselves, and this encourages action that leads to more good expressed in the world. With that, the light we all want to see and embrace won’t be distant. It will be our present reality, and the foundation of our lives — and it will shine freely from one person, to the next.

— Gareth Henderson

Our most cherished gifts

Seasonal decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When Christmas arrives, much attention is given to what will be waiting for us under the Christmas tree. What can we expect this year? Without a doubt, the anticipation, joy and love we feel on Christmas morning is a cherished blend of feelings that enrich us. Throughout the day, reconnecting with family is part of that precious tradition. It's a time to slow down and remember what truly matters in life, and enjoy some fun moments with those we love.

Of course, a lot of Christmas holiday traditions look different this year. If we're connecting with other family members, we're likely to be doing that virtually. Events that fill the community with people have gone online, with the hope of returning to normal in 2021. For a lot of families, there are fewer gifts under the tree than last year. Everywhere, many things remind us about change, and make us worry about what is to come.

But our true gifts have remained the same, and give us hope for the future. The love and support neighbors have given each other, that's still happening now, along with efforts to provide some help for families who are struggling. In Vermont and throughout multiple states, people are holding up some joy for others, by decorating their homes and neighborhoods for the holidays. The outdoors has also provided some wintertime enjoyment, and some much-needed peaceful moments.

We are indeed facing a landscape of diverging experiences. On one hand, there are the challenges. On the other, we have the things that help us weather the difficult times — love, compassion, joy, patience, humility. In many ways, the holidays inspire us to feel those qualities, and acknowledge and cherish their presence in our lives. The news we hear or read about may not match those qualities, but the fact is, people are gravitating toward them more than we think. There are people helping others with groceries and chores, providing resources to each other as they can, and raising money to help with ongoing needs in their communities. We have cause for gratitude; there is a great deal of kindness happening in our midst, and it touches each of us.

During this holiday, as we receive all of our lovely Christmas gifts, let's remember the ones that have nothing to do with money, the ones that lift up and strengthen our hearts in even the darkest hours, the ones that open the way to hope when the impossible must be done. Those are the gifts that give us the most light, the deepest joy, and the greatest riches.

— Gareth Henderson

Spreading a bit of cheer

Lights brighten up Woodstock Village for the holidays. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Every now and then, something comes across your radar that puts a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. I felt that way today when I read about a state official and his colleagues recording some Christmas stories for children.

Usually, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott would read "The Night Before Christmas" to children gathered at the State House Christmas Tree Lighting. Since the gathering is not happening this year, Scott and his cabinet are recording readings of some favorite Christmas classics for children.

"We will post them in the coming days for Vermont's kids to enjoy during this holiday season like no other," the governor said on his Facebook page.

This is another example of people giving of their time to spread joy for others, which has been an encouraging trend during 2020 — and so needed. The music, readings, poetry and other activities have been a true gift to many, as traditions have had to go online this year. Though we miss gathering in person, we're able to capture some of the joyous spirit these events bring us, and the sense of community they represent. We still find a way to share that happiness with each other, over Facebook, Zoom or whichever platform serves the purpose. It's also wonderful to know about programs meant for children, which I'm sure have been a great help for families.

As we continue through the end of 2020, and observe more of these online offerings during the holidays, perhaps they can serve as inspiration to add a bit of joy in someone else's life, when we get the chance. The very act will help us feel that same happiness and lift up our day. Those are the moments we come to treasure. And those are the treasures that keep on giving.

— Gareth Henderson

Resilience for the holidays

Holiday lights brighten the evening in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When times are tough, our resilient spirit comes out, and that’s the kind of strength people have shown while facing the many obstacles of 2020. Even when the pandemic reached new heights, we still shared our humanity by helping one another and finding ways to uplift the community. 

Of course, a good example of this has been the holidays, where old traditions have found new virtual homes to share the joy of the season. Case in point: the annual Wassail Parade in Woodstock, Vermont, has gone virtual, featuring festive photos and videos submitted by the community. It starts online Saturday at 10 a.m. at this link, the result of a partnership between the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and the High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program. Many familiar faces and favorite costumes will be seen, bringing the fun of the parade into people’s homes.

Understandably, many are still getting used to this new holiday experience, amid the numerous restrictions on gatherings and other rules that are now commonplace. But people are finding ways to celebrate and share the holiday spirit, as seen in the numerous holiday lights set up throughout Vermont and many other regions. The message is clear: Though activity is limited, the holiday spirit is unlimited and still finds expression no matter what is happening in the world. As we prepare for the rest of the holiday season, it is indeed comforting to know that we can still find joy and peace during this time. The best qualities of our human experience are still intact and deeply held within us. On days when those qualities seem in short supply, we can pause and know they are still around, still being expressed — and sometimes, they are just around the corner, waiting for us to embrace them.

— Gareth Henderson

An unusual Christmas surprise

Holiday decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Sometimes, you never know what you'll find when you get home. Amanda McCormick knows that all too well.

Halfway around the world, near Adelaide, Australia, McCormick arrived home recently and found a furry friend passing the time in her Christmas tree. It was a cute little koala which had let itself into her home — which happens only occasionally, according to the CNN report. The koala rescue group McCormick contacted initially thought it was a prank call, but the organization responded and had the easy job of simply letting the animal out of the house, so it happened. It just wandered into the front yard, and, well, couldn't quite let go of McCormick's property. It was still in the same (outdoor) tree a day later, probably because it enjoyed sleeping there. Still, it probably didn’t compare to that comfy Christmas tree.

This story brightened up my rainy Saturday — it's just that kind of article. If you're ready to experience cuteness, I invite you to visit that link above: What better way to enliven your holiday spirit than to see a koala hanging out in a Christmas tree? Ever a fan of the facts, and after being constantly tempted to write "bear" after "koala", I should note that bears, koalas are not. Though they've got that endearing, furry look, that's pretty much where the similarities end, as the latter is a marsupial with a very different origin story.

In the coming weeks, if I see other fun animal stories, I'll let you see them, too. They were made for sharing, and for adding some joy to this world. We can always use one more laugh.

— Gareth Henderson

Governor: 'Strength and unity' have guided Vt.

The village of Woodstock, Vermont, is illuminated by holiday lights, a longtime tradition in the community. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As Vermont tackles a recent surge in the pandemic, the state is also asking Vermonters to work together to brighten the holiday season, literally.

The state is urging people to add holiday decorations and lights to their homes and businesses in support of the new "Vermont Lights the Way" initiative, announced Friday. Everyone is invited to share pictures of their holiday displays online to brighten the social media landscape, using the hashtag #VTLightsTheWay.

The announcement came just after the Thanksgiving holiday, and Gov. Phil Scott has heard anecdotally that a number of families adhered to the state's rule to restrict gatherings to their own household, in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. At Friday's press conference, he acknowledged how much people's lives have changed amid the pandemic, and how Vermonters have stepped up to help each other.

"In Vermont, we met this challenge with the same strength and unity that has guided us through so many other challenges in our history," Scott said.

However, he noted that this week brought three more deaths in Vermont due to COVID-19. There are also concerns about the increasing number of cases in long-term care facilities; the state is increasing surveillance testing in those facilities and other health care settings.

The governor recognized all the steps Vermonters have taken so far.

"Vermonters have sacrificed to protect our families, friends and neighbors, by limiting the spread of the virus in order to keep one another as safe and as healthy as possible in these incredibly challenging times," Scott said.

He sought to encourage Vermonters, saying that, in hard times, this state has set an example for the country in the past.

"From the Civil War to civil rights, our brave little state has led the way for the nation," Scott said. "This time is no different, and as we find ourselves facing what we all hope will be a final surge, our example is needed now more than ever. That means paying attention to the (public health) guidance, in order to slow the spread of the virus, save lives and keep our health care system from being overwhelmed."

Going through a very different holiday season, the governor hoped the new holiday initiative would help provide some uplift.

"Let's get creative, to show the world that Vermonters are here for each other, that we care about one another, and that even through these dark and difficult times, Vermont lights the way."

He thanked the communities that were already lighting up their streets with decorations, and welcomed all who can do so, to get involved. At the same time, he sympathized with people on having to sacrifice some of their favorite traditions when they need them most.

"I know how hard it is. I know how hard it will continue to be, as we make our way through the holidays without the normal get-togethers and sense of closeness we all want," Scott said. "But with the recent news on vaccines, we now know there is light at the end of the tunnel. We will get through this, and we can see there are brighter days ahead."

The good news is, we can work together to brighten the days we have right now, even when significant challenges remain. It's not only about taking practical steps to combat the virus itself, it's about working to sustain and enhance the humanity we all share. Today, a big part of that is brightening the holiday season however we can, because it's so true, our communities need some more of that love. Unifying around that effort is a powerful force for good in these times, one we all can share.

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont postpones start of winter sports

A view of the Ottauquechee River from River Road in Woodstock, Vermont (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The state of Vermont is putting all school sports on hold until further notice, as the state continues to address a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. 

Gov. Phil Scott announced the measure on Tuesday, just a week before winter sports were set to start for the season. Earlier this month, the state suspended all youth and adult recreational sports that weren’t publicly sanctioned. The governor said the state would review the new school sports restriction each week. 

A statewide ban on multi-household gatherings remains in effect, but Scott noted schools have expressed concerns about families which may not follow that rule over the holidays. In response, the state is directing schools to ask students or parents if they were part of multi-family gatherings, as part of the required daily health check before entering school buildings. If the answer is “yes”, the individual will have to quarantine for 14 days, or for seven days with a negative COVID-19 test. Officials have also recommended that businesses enact the same practice, in case some employees don’t follow the guidance over the Thanksgiving holiday. 

“The more we adhere to this (gathering) policy, the faster we’ll be in lowering the number of cases and the sooner we’ll be able to ease up on these restrictions,” Scott said at the Tuesday press briefing. “Again, this is an example of why it’s so important to be vigilant and avoid small gatherings. And it’s my hope that adults will realize the need to sacrifice in order to give our kids this important time in their life, and most importantly, help keep them in school as much as possible.” 

The governor also made a point to recognize the “many, many more” Vermonters who are adhering to the restrictions. 

“While we’ve seen record growth in recent weeks, we still lead the nation in the lowest number of cases and deaths, and that’s because of all your efforts,” Scott said. 

State officials said data from recent days shows Vermont’s case growth beginning to slow, but, this being a holiday week, they urged people to keep following public health guidance, including the gathering restriction, mask-wearing, social distancing and avoiding non-essential travel.

“The fact is, the sacrifice we make today and over the next few weeks will make sure we get to the end (of the pandemic) faster, stronger and in a better position than any other state,” Scott said. 

Last week, the state clarified its restriction on gatherings, to note that outdoor fitness activities, such as walking, hiking or biking, involving no more than two people from different households are allowed.

— Gareth Henderson 

Signs of that holiday spirit

A worker from Timber Tender puts up the traditional holiday lights in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As spring 2020 sprouted and graced us with its glory, we were relieved to see and feel the results of it. Now, as we head into November's big holiday week, we again see proof of wonderful things unchanged.

We see people continuing with many of the same efforts to help out their neighbors during the holidays. Though the logistics have changed, the spirit is still very much there, and in some cases, it’s inspiring more people to lend a hand.

We also see some holiday shopping underway, though in many cases, it will be for smaller gatherings this year. I have a feeling that the joy of the holidays will find expression in some unexpected ways this year. Over the summer, people found many ways to let their light shine and share with others, from their musical talents in-person (though distanced), to online gatherings.

Another great example of inspiring expression: It's decoration season. In Woodstock, Vermont, the local company Timber Tender has been putting up the holiday lights in our beautiful village in recent days. It's a lovely sight, to see the Village Green and downtown sidewalks aglow for the holidays. Businesses are also busy readying their holiday window displays. We just need a bit more snow to complete the picture, which no doubt is on its way.

On Monday, several people — including me — stopped along the sidewalk to watch the Timber Tender crew at a distance, as the bucket loader lifted one of the workers above and around the treetops, with a bunch of lights in hand. It was another reminder that not everything in life has come to a halt; certain traditions will live on, because they simply must. Such traditions represent more than just the light and cheerful appearances they emanate. These holiday expressions remind us we still have the ability to reflect joy and share it with others, however difficult things seem to get. This year, that joy and good feeling have a uniquely special place in our experience, because I believe it will surprise us in beautiful ways. Let's remain open to that inspiration, especially the kind that comes around when we least expect it. Many times, that can be the best kind.

— Gareth Henderson

Three cheers for Charlie Brown’s return

A view of the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A shout of jubilation was heard around the world when Apple released news of a deal with PBS and PBS Kids that would bring the Peanuts holiday specials back to national television this year.

After four days of anticipation, families across the country got the thrill of seeing "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" on Sunday night on PBS. It's the same plan for "A Charlie Brown Christmas", which airs Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. on PBS.

Announced last week, the Apple-PBS deal came after a thunderous outcry after Apple acquired the rights to Peanuts content, and therefore, the beloved Charlie Brown specials would only be available on Apple TV+ from here on out. That didn't sit well with Peanuts fans, hundreds of thousands of whom signed online petitions to get the specials back on television, in a year when families could really use some good cheer.

That kind of joy from nationwide holiday favorites is more important than ever, in the middle of a pandemic in which a number of states have gathering limits imposed for the holidays. Furthermore, many traditions throughout the year have been changed or cancelled entirely, due to COVID-19. For all those reasons, it's no surprise people really wanted the multi-generational favorites from the Peanuts gang to remain before a national TV audience, where they have always been accessible to millions of fans.

Now, we can say the Charlie Brown tradition was brought back for November and December in 2020, and was made widely available for all people to see. It's probably the closest thing to a great, big national hug we're going to get this year. And we'll take it.

— Gareth Henderson

To be fair, we should note, as Apple previously announced: "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" is free to watch on Apple TV+ from Nov. 25-27; the Christmas special is free on Apple TV+ from Dec. 11-13.

Thinking about the holidays

A stream runs through the woods off Cloudland Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Over the course of 2020, we’ve seen how various cherished traditions have been impacted by the pandemic. That anticipation has never been more keenly felt than over the past couple of weeks, when we've pondered that question regarding the holidays.

We already know that, in many places, including Vermont, it will mean single-household gatherings only for Thanksgiving, one of our most cherished traditions. This became clear after many states have imposed new restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Undeniably, this is a difficult situation, and a painful one for many individuals who, in some cases, had been hoping to see friends and family they hadn't seen perhaps all year. We know we all need those connections, and we long for those precious in-person interactions and fun, enjoyable moments that make up holiday memories. We also know the holidays will look different this year, and will likely include Zoom as a party avenue more than ever before.

The result? We'll undoubtedly be missing many things we hold dear, especially the loved ones we're so used to seeing at this special time of year. But right now, as experts have been saying, it's also a time in which we have to prioritize health and follow guidelines meant to keep everyone safe, including masking, social distancing, and the oft-repeated guidance to avoid non-essential travel and to limit gatherings to your household.

It's tough for many to have to keep up these precautions, for sure. It feels incredible to say it's been eight months since the pandemic arrived in Vermont. That said, this year these measures are in place for public health, and ought to be followed by each of us. Furthermore, they're a part of expressing love and respect to others, and helping to support our neighbors’ sense of safety and peace of mind as well. If we keep those values foremost in our minds, we can help our society make progress at this difficult time, and lay the groundwork for, hopefully, having a return to the gatherings and traditions we love later in 2021. That's a goal worth aiming for, together.

— Gareth Henderson

State advises new limit on social gatherings

The Woodstock Village Green takes in the sunshine on a crisp Thursday morning. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As the nation stayed transfixed on the election, Vermont released an advisory on private social gatherings amid its ongoing efforts to keep the pandemic in check.

The Friday announcement came after the U.S. recorded over 100,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday — the first time the nation passed that daily total. Thursday’s cases topped 120,000.

Vermont still has good news to be proud of, including one of the nation's lowest test positivity rates (0.5 percent as of Tuesday) and no COVID-19 deaths since July. But in response to case increases around the region and country, and with social gatherings as a major cause, state officials are now advising Vermonters to keep all private social gatherings to no more than 10 people, and with a very limited number of trusted households. Officials said Vermont has seen higher daily case totals in the fall as indoor gatherings increase, with Thursday bringing 24 new cases.

Speaking at a Friday press conference, Gov. Phil Scott strongly urged people to follow this new guidance. He emphasized the importance of keeping virus spread low, so schools can safely continue with in-person instruction — a critical need for students.

"By staying vigilant, and being smart, and limiting our gathering sizes and travel, even during the holidays, we can keep schools and our economy open, and we'll get through this pandemic faster and on better footing than just about any other state," Scott said.

The state continues to track 116 cases linked to a recent hockey arena outbreak in Montpelier, in which social gatherings were a factor. That primary outbreak is over, but the 116 cases come from smaller outbreaks due to that initial event; one of them includes 69 cases at St. Michael's College in Colchester, according to Dr. Mark Levine, the state's health commissioner.

Resolving those cases "will take some time, but the containment process is underway and very active, and we should remain optimistic regarding that," he told the media Friday.

Levine noted the newly announced guidance pertains to all social gatherings, including those at home, on campus or around town. Recent contact-tracing efforts in Vermont uncovered virus spread stemming from holiday parties, birthday parties, sleepovers and other private gatherings, he said. With the holidays coming up, Levine urged people to avoid large gatherings and adhere to the recommended gathering limit, while following rules like mask-wearing and social distancing.

"As you plan your holidays, have an open conversation about safety," he said. "Let your friends and family know what you need to feel comfortable."

Levine expressed sympathy with those who are eager to see loved ones during this very unique holiday season.

"For many it will be hard, for you, for me, everyone. We all have traditions we cherish and people we love to be with, but we all share responsibility to look out for one another," Levine said. "I ask you all to give this serious thought, and to please join me in taking some solace in knowing that, by making these sacrifices and finding ways to still make the holidays special and safe, we can all look forward to being together for a better year ahead."

— Gareth Henderson