The year is almost coming to an end. We have faced turmoil like never seen before, but people are finishing strong by putting ornaments and decorations for a special time of year. The Coronavirus, as you already know, has caused Americans to put off traveling. This, of course, is not preventing families from getting together around the fireplace while opening presents and eating Christmas dinner–the difference is that we may not see our cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas, or grandpas during this year due to the fear of infection.
USA TODAY strongly suggests that holiday plans this year should be postponed for next year. A vaccine, hopefully, is coming soon — and nobody wants to have a revered relative pass away because of a careless getaway to a restaurant. This, however, begs the question: What can I possibly do for Christmas? In case you don’t have any ideas for spicing up your Christmas schedule, here are a couple of insights from some James Logan high schoolers.
Cherry Lam, a senior at Logan, is struggling on the same boat. She thinks her “Our family didn’t intend to have any Christmas plans this year. The pandemic has prevented us from having any chance to do so during the break.” She still has the capability of making brunch and dinner, but her family is definitely not planning to go out. “With many restaurants closing again, it’ll be impossible to enjoy family dinners outside.”
Cherry still plans on opening gifts and relaxing the rest of the break. She hopes to receive some prestigious items this year. “This year, I think I’ll be getting an Xbox 360 from my mom.” Besides gifts, Cherry thinks the real meaning of Christmas is to spend time with the ones you love. “I wish students a safe Christmas and hope you spend quality time with your family!”
Natali Perez, a sophomore, is one of many students who is thinking of canceling her get-togethers. She’s quite saddened that she won’t be able to have a group of family members that would be usual during a typical Christmas. “My family won’t be able to gather together this year. My adult siblings live away from the rest of us, so it’s not very safe to have them over.” She is glad that she can FaceTime them as an alternative, although this wouldn’t be the same as bringing them home.
Christmas is a time when the family de-stresses and comes together to enjoy each other’s company. Natali agrees, saying, “I would say Christmas is a time to relax this year and enjoy the company around you if have any.” She’s planning on doing activities with her family like karaoke, as well as watching movies. She’s also excited to get some online gift cards to spend on. This is her way of having a jolly time with her family.
Azeneth Villanueva is a senior in James Logan, so she has the added hassle of finishing her college applications. Besides her serious responsibilities, the break is the time for her to do online shopping, decorate the house, and stay in touch with friends through Facetime. Azeneth doesn’t have the freedom and pleasure of shopping in-person, nor the ability to travel this year; she is distressed that she couldn’t have other family members come over though, although she’s glad that there is a break. “I think I’m just going to be with my family. I’m just going to appreciate it as a break from school because we’ll be done with finals.”
There are still ways to have fun during this peculiar year. No matter how apprehensive the future feels right now, we have a chance to come together and unite with our loved ones the best way we can. It may not be perfect, but happiness and joy will still be there. Don’t be the grumpy man who bickered about the tidings in A Christmas Carol. Just appreciate the moment — soon enough, we will all get through the end of this tunnel, and don’t let a disastrous year get in the way of another memorable, merry Christmas. Azeneth exclaimed, “We have a new semester coming up, and it’s a chance to start fresh and take a break — you deserve it!” Azeneth exclaimed.
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