It’s mid-November and we all know what that means: Thanksgiving Break is near. It’s so close that I can smell the Honey Baked Ham and yeast rolls. I can’t remember the last time I was this ready for the Holiday Season.
This year has been one for the books. But I’m not too sure if I meant that in a good way or a bad way. Between the coronavirus pandemic, the recent presidential election, the Black Lives Matter protests, and the forced virtual learning, I know that I’m not the only one feigning for a mental break.
Many are awaiting the upcoming holidays in hopes that it will turn this year of frowns upside down. The holiday season usually promotes quality family time, peace, and joy. All of the things the majority of us haven’t been able to enjoy because of this overwhelmingly devastating year.
“COVID-19 has taken its toll on the lives of thousands of people, with the holidays around the corner, I am looking forward to some of that Christmas cheer that we all need,” said Beyla Walker, a sophomore from Apalachicola, FL. “I am excited about the holidays. Not just because of the gift-giving and good food, but because of the overall joy that the holiday brings.”
A study conducted by OnePoll, on behalf of Hello Fresh surveyed 2,000 Americans who generally celebrate the holidays. The survey aimed to examine how the holidays will be different this year after all of the unprecedented events of 2020.
According to the survey, surprisingly two out of three Americans feel as though this Holiday Season will be more meaningful than ever thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year alone has shown us that life is not only short but unpredictable.
The survey also revealed that 56 percent of those surveyed had started their holiday preparations in September. The holidays are specifically devoted to enjoying the company of those you love the most. People are ready for the “what am I thankful for?” talks around the dining room table on Thanksgiving. People are ready to put up their Christmas trees with their families and experience that nostalgic Christmas spirit.
“‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ was added to my morning playlist the day after Halloween… I just couldn’t wait any longer,” said Walker. Students are especially looking forward to the multi-week Christmas break that is coming up.
“After a long semester with no real breaks, I am looking forward to the holidays. It seemed like every day I had a different assignment due, or I had to get up early and go to work. It was never-ending,” said Ross Gordon, a senior student at Morehouse College. “I’m happy the holidays are here because it’s giving me real-time to relax and just indulge in the moment with my family and friends. With that being said I am hoping that this holiday season doesn’t bring a jump in cases again.”
This holiday season may just be the most wonderful time of 2020, but we’ll just have to wait and see what the end of the year has in store for us. It’s especially hard when the holiday season comes during a difficult time.