Are You Going Somewhere for the Holidays?
Well, it’s that time of year. Or it was, at least, in the “before times.”
By that time of year, I mean the holiday season. And by the holiday season, I mean a time for travel and gatherings with family and friends, for feasts, and frivolity (and, sadly, maybe the occasional fight). What is usually called for and expected over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and into New Years are the kinds of activities that send public health officials into night sweats. Large gathering indoors full of food and boisterous conversation. There are holiday parties and dates for New Years, gatherings across generations and packed airports.
For those who have followed the protocols for protecting themselves and others from COVID, this winter season promises to be very different from the last. Vaccines are widely available, even extending now down to 5-year-olds. There are even boosters which add extra protection - although the fact that they are necessary and that there are breakthrough infections adds to the unease.
I feel a lot of us live with the trauma and fear of the past. We are nervous, and public health officials, while touting the effectiveness of the vaccines, caution we are not out of the woods. In fact, it is unclear where this pandemic will go, especially considering the surprises it has already provided.
So my questions for all of you are versions of “What are your holiday plans?”
Do you plan to travel?
Are you going to see friends and loved ones for the first time in years?
How nervous are you? How excited?
What risks are you willing to take, and what risks seem still too great?
What is one thing you are especially looking forward to? And what is something you might worry about?
As always, these conversations are best when you also engage with others in the Steady community. We can’t wait to read the comments.
I was positive for covid 19 in March 2020 - the first week of lockdown here. I was non- hospitalized case. I am still a long covid patient and have been struggling with with ongoing severe medical issues since then. 20 months later, I will continue to be careful proactive wear masks Stay out of situations that have a high likelihood of exposure. Though see my family and enjoy the holidays we're just adjusting to what that looks like. Because 10-30% of people who contract covid 19 end up with one or multiple symptoms that remains for months if not longer, EVEN if asymptomatic or breakthrough cases. I'm not willing to take the chance that I may pass along something to another Person Whether I know them or not... and have them end up like me.. You can be sick and not too sick, you can die, or you can end up 20 months later still struggling to get help with symptoms and multiple organ function issues and neuropathy... my Life may never be the same and I'm not willing to do that to anyone else
Not going anywhere but my family room. Closest family has a son who refuses to get vaccinated, so even though I’ve had my booster, I’m staying home. I’m making a full feast just the way I like it!