How will the holiday season look this year?
With vaccination sites and systems up and running, how will the holiday season look this year?
Written by: MarketSteals Home Division Editor
Published/Last Updated
Date: 09/27/2021 Time: 06:35
A Recap of Events
Over the past 18 months, so many have had to deal with the sorrows, difficulties, and in extreme cases depression stemming from the isolation from friends, family, and loved ones. This was due to a global pandemic that caused many deaths, pain, burials, fear, loss, and economic suffering that will have lasting effects in the foreseeable future. As greater risks were upon us all, due to an airborne, extremely contagious virus we all classify as coronavirus or COVID-19, the advised method for resolving this issue was distance. This included social distancing, and isolation. As the airline industry was hit with an extreme drop in business due to travel restrictions, isolation requirements, and overall fear, there was a greater challenge for individuals to even see their loved ones as a sudden catastrophe put an enormous paus on the world’s activities.
With new variants and strains arriving, adapting, and thriving, several countries had greater sufferings than others. As the virus spread, larger countries such as the United States had various regions hit extremely hard, and the spread of the virus would have subsequent effects in regions as it made its way through. These included areas such as the tri-state (New York and New Jersey), followed by Florida, Texas, and California. Record numbers of cases and deaths were recorded, with authorities fighting to keep information accurate, and the nation under control in such a controversial period. Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom had their issues containing the virus as well. Medical and health facilities were overwhelmed, and in some cases underprotected with delays in appropriate gear to treat patients in need.
Often times, with research being carried out in real time, the greatest way to fight against the spread was by enforcing regional lockdowns. Therefore, businesses, schools, events, restaurants, transit, and many aspects of daily life took an enormous decline in progress causing major flaws in economies around the world. So as this measure was not disputed in its early suggested and enforced days, over time the effects it would have on the ability to visit, interact, and safely share experiences with loved ones took a huge pause. To many individuals’ surprise, this virus was real. It certainly didn’t go away in a few months, and for an extended period people had to adapt to individualism, web-interaction, and extreme caution when stepping away from their own four walls.
As you can imagine, or recollect yourself, plans had to be cancelled. This included one of the most significant seasons for fellowship, love, peace, and priceless memories. The holiday season. Several lockdowns across the world prohibited certain family members from occupying a single space such as in the United Kingdom. Others simply declined the opportunity to be amongst each other for their own safety, or to reduce the risks of infection for a loved one of theirs. So as a result, the holiday season was much more empty than ever imagined possible just a year prior.
Holiday Season Deeper Impact
The pandemic shifted the holiday season in ways so many ways including
Limited Festivities
Less spending on loved ones
Lack of community interaction and expression
Increased individualism
October
In many nations, the holidays signify a period for fellowship, hope, joy, and gratitude. If we begin with the end of autumn/fall we have the end of October. Now this month has a big day, recognized in America for fun, socializing, adventures, and creative expression. Can you guess? Drake’s birthday! October’s very own (OVO), described and defines his label, festival, internationally aired radio station and brand as a leading musical talent and influencer that has gone on to become an icon of this decade. As many do love Drake, there’s actually a more noteworthy day in America in the month of October. Halloween!
Halloween is a big day for kids to dress up in their favorite costumes, and interact with their community by trick or treating with the accompanying guardian. This event is usually carried out with a bucket full of candy, and seeing all their neighbors have to offer. This includes candy, treats, sometimes cash as a treat, and the fun designs one may apply to their home to let it be known they welcome adventurous visitors. As this day is full of surprises, you can expect to get spooked out by those looking to scare you prior to giving you an awesome, and delicious treat. School even imposed less dress-code restrictions and some had prizes for the best costume, with teachers dressing up to impress and put a smile on their students’ faces. Many can recall going back home extremely happy with a new collection of treats to eat over the next week or two. As kids are known to enjoy this day, don’t be fooled as adults have great times on this night as well. They actually tend to bring out their inner-child on this occasion, presenting the perfect opportunity to post a family fun photo of a character theme they can execute. A fun night out often has many characters dancing the night away, opening up the holiday season.
As the pandemic encouraged limited access to visitors, the Halloween of 2020 was one that prohibited such a tradition of community. As a result, kids may have had to grow up a bit faster, missing out on a creative night they can be whatever character they wanted. A huge factor in a child’s ability and gift that society hasn’t yet stripped them of, is their ability to dream. This includes their incredible skill in bringing out their imagination. So as a year has passed, some kids may tuck their imagination away permanently. Additionally, with adults experiencing a lot more stress as a result of the burdens of the pandemic, some may choose to bypass social nights like before, and hold on to that stress without letting it out.
November
November is a very memorable month for those across the states, as Thanksgiving is a national holiday, granting everyone some time off from work, school, and daily challenges. It is one of the days that families gather and spend quality time together. Families gather to share laughs, share updates, take memorable photos, express their appreciation and love for each other. Most importantly, they share some delicious dishes. Thanksgiving is also a time for camaraderie, teamwork, and ability. As the more talented chefs in the family can put their ability on full display. A few pounds or kg is likely to be gained following this holiday.
Additionally, several traditional festivities occur during this holiday, such as the annual parade held in NYC. Families, tourists, and locals gather on-site in Manhattan, or around the television to watch a beautiful concert with performances from stars, local organizations, youth groups, and honorary citizens. This beautiful day unfortunately took a decline in activity for the year 2020.
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December - January
December is a month many families, cultures, and kids around the world look forward to. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and many celebrations of heritage, culture, history, and holidays are recognized and celebrated during this period. Significant time off is allowed, encouraged, and widely taken across the world. Presents and gift giving is a major act allowing for smiles on the faces of friends and family in this beautiful time. Not only on the day itself (Christmas), but leading up to it, there are beautiful displays of lights, characters, snow, reefs, all throughout the beautiful cities on our globe. This adds to the joy, peace, and anticipation many individuals feel in this season. New Year’s Eve and Day, marks one to build new goals, dream, and expect positive change moving forward. Many choose to celebrate this day around their loved ones.
As the pandemic put a pause on these events, or the magnitude in which they were allowed, many families managed to find creative means of fellowship beyond physical means. This included a very strong increase and intensity of web platforms such as Zoom, Facebook, WhatsApp, FaceTime, telephone, and social media. Although its not nearly the same experience, many are grateful to have access to these tools in today’s era, with the challenges much more heightened without them. So with such a difficult year behind us, some progress is being made to make this upcoming season much more memorable.
Vaccinations
With many tests and trials occurring throughout the year 2020, in 2021 developments of vaccines reached greater means of accessibility and impact in the United States and EU region based countries. As these vaccinations reduce the spread and results of Covid-19, there can be greater ease as risks can come down. In the fall/autumn of 2021, we have seen events increase in capacity, to normal levels of occupancy. We have seen less emphasis on masks and reductions in active covid cases in many markets around the world. In recent breaking news, the US will lift restrictions for vaccinated EU and UK travelers in November. As a result, this holiday season can see a huge spark in family fellowship, events, and the many festivities we have grown to love. As a huge tool to combat the virus, and keep our global citizens safe, this holiday season can bounce back for a memorable year in the history books. Now let’s explore what you can do to prepare for this special occasion.
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