To say COVID-19 has had a huge impact on everyone would be an understatement. Thankfully, time heals most things.
There is now a vaccine and COVID numbers are beginning to drop once again. With 2021 coming to a close and holidays right around the corner, the Clarion decided to get some insight on students and their plans for the upcoming holiday season.
What are your plans for the holiday season?
Trew Davis, Major: Undecided
“My plans for this holiday season are to go to haunted houses while they are still open, then after I will be going to Las Vegas for Halloween. I plan on getting together with my family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Other than that I plan on relaxing and working.”
Allie Day, Major: Metal Health and Addiction Services
“My plans for my holiday season are to get together with my family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m planning on going to Florida to see my mom and stepdad after Christmas.”
Jenna Sanford, Major: Health Science
“Me and my fiancé have a family trip planned to take the kids and go down to Gatlinburg. I’m looking forward to things being open and not having to wear a mask. I’m also excited to be able to spend time with my whole family for the holidays.”
What will be different for you this holiday season compared to last year?
Trew Davis:
“I plan on getting out of the house more this year now that I’m vaccinated, I feel safer about going places and doing things.”
Allie Day:
“This holiday season will be much better for me this year. Last year my brother and sister-in-law both had COVID. My grandparents didn’t attend our normal Christmas get-together. I also feel like this year feels safer because most of my family has either already had COVID or is now vaccinated.”
Jenna Sanford:
“One of the biggest changes between this year and last year is being able to have my kids around my grandparents. Last year was uncertain about what would be safe and what wouldn’t be, so since COVID has started to become under control it makes me feel more at ease to have them around each other.”
Did Covid have an impact on your holiday season last year?
Trew Davis:
“Last year we didn’t get to have our typical Christmas get-together because we were trying to be cautious to keep my older relatives as safe as possible.”
Allie Day:
“We still got to do certain things but not our normal holiday celebration gift exchange. I’m excited for this upcoming season to be able to see all my family especially with some of them getting older, and myself being so busy between work and school, so the holidays are times when people get to visit and spend time with their entire family.”
Jenna Sanford:
“Covid most have had an impact on me last year around the holidays. It financially impacted me because of the curfew, we had to work around our schedules when the kids had to be home from school. It was a lot of obstacles to work around. We also had to do Zoom meetings with my older family members during our usual holiday celebration.”
All in all, it is safe to say everyone is feeling a little more at ease this year. Happy Holidays from our staff at the Clarion and remember to stay safe!
Marquie Peyton
Intern