I looked back at past events this morning since events were beginning to blur. As we embrace a holiday season that looks a lot like pre-COVID days, I wanted to think about what's happened and what will come.
What has happened?
My big, extended family was changing a lot just before COVID started. In some ways, families were stretched given all the changes at play at that time, and those stretches meant that holiday celebrations were already changing. What were once relatively small families who lived close to one another were now big families living further away which meant that it wasn't as easy to gather for the holidays.
Then when COVID hit in mid-winter 2020, we had to get creative, and we did get creative. We kept our family ties close via ZOOM, outdoor adventures, and intimate gatherings.
What's happening now?
Now it's fall 2022, about two-and-a-half years after the start of COVID in our lives. While COVID still spreads, vaccinations and medical responses to the disease have enabled us to return to many of our traditions of the past. For example, we'll have our first big Thanksgiving celebration this year since COVID started. We'll also attend more social events once again. That is a welcome change.
Life didn't stop during COVID, however, relationships bloomed, some graduated from education programs, others started new jobs and education programs, and there were marriages and moves. We have to consider all those changes as we update holiday traditions. I'll reach out to family members about that today.
What's important
It is important that we integrate what we've learned in the past years as well as the many changes as we continue our family traditions, get togethers, and support. I'll think on that today as I begin to get ready for the holidays ahead. Onward.