The Holiday Season: Pandemic Edition
By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill
This week Manitobans learned the Code Red restrictions that were implemented mid-November will be held in place until January 8th, 2021. There were some slight changes though -- the main one being businesses could now sell holiday-related items in addition to essential goods. Furthermore, religious service drive-ins will be allowed as long as everybody remains in their vehicle and vehicles contain only household members. While Manitobans expected the restrictions of household-only gatherings to be lifted, this was not the case. As a result, the holiday season will be spent with only members of your household. While this is devastating news it is important to remember that these measures have been put in place for public safety and that if it were safe to do so, we would see our family and friends during the holiday. But as it stands, it is not safe and while this holiday season may be the loneliest we have ever had, we must abide by the restrictions to ensure it is the only lonely holiday season.
I live at home with my family, however, my sister moved out and this will be the first Christmas that we have ever spent apart. I am saddened and angry but I try to remember that it is for the best and that alternatives exist for seeing her. Thus, this Christmas I will be using Zoom to celebrate with my loved ones. While my mother and I have gone above and beyond in our Christmas decorations this year, we are sad that people will not get to appreciate them in person. However, we know the Zoom call will have a very Christmas cheer themed background. Usually, my family celebrates with a big supper for Christmas Eve followed by staying up late and opening presents that loved ones have given us. This year we will still have a big supper and will open up gifts. However, to those that cannot accompany us, we will be delivering food and presents to their doorstep. By doing this my family and I are ensuring our loved ones still enjoy delicious food while getting to open presents!
This is how I plan on spending my holiday season: eating and delivering happiness to the front doors of my loved ones. While it is different and I am not used to it, there is no other option. We have to lower our case numbers and so a lonely Christmas is a small price to pay to ensure lives are saved. While I understand that this will be difficult and that not everybody has the luxury to live at home with most of their loved ones, people still need to understand that it would be reckless, irresponsible, and foolish to risk the life of Manitobans in order to have people over for Christmas. Now is not the time to be around people physically. We need to take care of each other, and we are lucky enough to live in a country where technology is abundant and we are able to see our loved ones virtually.