No Drama Corona-Someone secretly jumps for joy at Christmas

Corritta Lewis has a huge extended family. Her mom is one of twelve siblings. Christmas usually means that she, his wife, and a two-year-old son dig up Shrep’s equipment in cold weather, from his sunny Southern California home to Ohio and the turmoil of the holidays. ..

Not this year.

“We are delighted to save money, spend more time together and have a less stressful vacation,” said a 31-year-old HR analyst at Oceanside. “We don’t have to deal with the crowded airports, stores, and overall mania that holidays bring. We’re going to wear pajamas and watch movies all day long.”

But Thanksgiving plea Ignored by thousands of people, authorities are afraid of the same for Christmas and New Year. Many people around the world are happy to spend their December vacation at home without the usual expense, family drama, and travel headaches.

As coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations have intensified in about 10 months of the pandemic, there are plans to use the money saved to buy gifts for those in need.

Marianna Kratt, a professor of clinical family medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and a facilitator of the mindfulness class, said that many people who stayed home to ensure safety during the Thanksgiving holiday He said he had already experienced the comfort of opting out of madness.

“It became clear that many people discovered something through Thanksgiving restrictions, which allowed them to get together with fewer people. They loved it. They couldn’t travel. I thought that, and from the typical gatherings with larger groups, I would feel a great sense of loss, “she said.

Participants in her class reported that the lack of family and friends around them made them less anxious, and the fewer they remained around, the deeper and more meaningful the conversation was.

“COVID-19 and subsequent secondary damage may have some perceptions that will shape future behavior, but not all are negative ways. Look at these amazing perceptions. We just need to, “said Kratt, who hasn’t reached the cliché of” silver lining. “

In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33-year-old Shannon O’Reilly usually returns to New Jersey for Christmas. “It never feels like a vacation.” Both she and her husband have a large family. She said that trying to squeeze in a visit with all of them leaves little face time that makes sense to everyone.

“We’re always flying around the house and never really feel calm when we get back there. Frankly, as soon as we land at Newark’s parking lot, we look at each other every time. , “Why are we doing this?”

This year, there will be only two people with “zero family obligations” in 80 degree weather.

As with Thanksgiving, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to avoid it. December trip Holidays while the pandemic continues to skyrocket. The CDC recommends that travelers be tested for COVID-19 before and after their trip for those who do not listen to the phone. Deborah Birx, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, warns that pre-travel testing is important to prevent the asymptomatic spread of the virus.

On the Upper East Side of Manhattan, 38-year-old Rosalinsive is happy to miss her annual vacation trip to Southern California with her husband and four-year-old son to visit their parents, siblings, and extended family. I can’t say. Family and friends.

But she was relieved.

“I’m pregnant this year and the idea of ​​balancing my busy work schedule with holidays and family activities is more stressful than usual,” said Siv, founder of the online bakery. “I can’t say I miss all the logistics.”

One is a 5-6 hour flight trip, which requires a variety of activities and snacks to keep the child calm and happy on the move.

Emotions are shared around the world.

Ben Taylor, 43, lives with his wife and two children (6 and 2 years old) on the Kent coastline in southeastern England. He calls a regular Christmas holiday a “crazy magical mystery tour” that lasts about a week. They usually travel about four hours by car to visit Norfolk’s relatives and old friends.

“I always felt a little envious because I couldn’t do the same thing myself and I felt like people were visiting relaxing homes one after another,” he said. “Now, it’s our turn!”

The COVID-19 vaccine is in preparation, but it won’t be in time. Save Christmas In most cases. Burkes and other virus experts have been unable to clarify the need to hug and kiss outside the social bubble that protects loved ones, avoiding travel and large gatherings.

Nicoletta Barbata is an Italian who has lived on the Greek island of Santorini for nearly four years. Christmas is usually the only trip back to Milan each year.

“I usually stay for four to six weeks,” said the 39-year-old single Barbata. “The time to return to Milan is devoted to catching up with family and friends, spending time with my parents and meeting friends all over Italy. I haven’t seen them for months.”

She will “miss deeply” this year’s trip, but she will be happy with her friends made in Greece.

“I’m always looking at the good side of every situation,” Barbata said.

For Holly Nordenberg in Madison, Wisconsin, this Christmas is sad.

“My grandfather died from COVID last month,” said the mother of two girls, three and five years old.

The 36-year-old Nordenberg, who has lost his patriarch, said a normal extended family gathering with a family of up to 40 returning to Rock Island, Illinois may not occur, whether she goes or not. It was.

There are other reasons why she doesn’t come back.

“This Christmas gathering was afraid because of the political situation and how families are polarized in terms of politics,” said Nordenberg.

Instead, she, her husband and their children will focus on “gratitude and bread making” at home.

“I’m honestly looking forward to the quiet holiday season,” said Nordenberg. “We have all the decorations, the pantry is full of baking supplies, and we are finding a way to really appreciate how lucky we are every day.”