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