We are living in such unprecedented times. We have endured lockdowns, time away from our friends and loved ones, mask mandates, trip cancellations, wedding cancellations, and changes to our daily lives that we never would have predicted only a short time ago.
We have watched COVID-19 travel through the world like a wildfire on a windy day, sparking fires from the largest cities in the world to the smallest rural communities.
I know for many of us, the holiday season is usually a blur of activities ranging from fun-filled nights with friends to less-than-exciting office parties, but this year will be different.
Many of us will do our best to stop the spread of COVID-19 and quietly and gracefully bow out of family functions, dinner with friends and fun get-togethers — while others will blatantly disregard the pleas of the CDC to celebrate with only members of your own household. (The CDC defines any person living outside of your home as a separate household.)
I want people to know that those of us making the brave decision to isolate and skip holiday festivities are heroes. We have made an incredibly tough decision and braved the sometimes harsh backlash from family members, so that we can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Every person who makes the sacrifice to skip the traditional mixed household celebrations this year is doing so out of love and compassion, not only for their family but for the entire community. Please understand that it’s not personal; it’s COVID-19. It’s a worldwide pandemic.
I hope that this holiday season you and your family choose to be a hero. Celebrate via a FaceTime call. Catch up with old friends via Zoom. Remember if you truly love the people around you, show them you care by helping stop the spread of COVID-19.
Tiffany Marshall, Park City
