As the holiday season approaches celebrations are likely to take on more of a quarantine style because of COVID-19.
The pandemic has negatively impacted many countries, affecting their economy, society, culture and other areas on a wide scale.
This pandemic has been an environmental catastrophe slowing down the things we normally do, and it has shifted our way of life and how we go about doing those things.
Workplaces and schools have been shaken up
Since the outbreak of the virus many persons have lost their jobs, while others began working from home.
Schools are now online with virtual learning. And poverty is on the rise, as many are now homeless and can no longer take care of their basic needs.
The world is in turmoil and there’s no set date for when things will go back to normal.
This is a year filled with setbacks for most, as people aren’t looking forward to this holiday season because of all the happenings I previously mentioned.
COVID’s impact on typical Jamaican traditions
Traditions vary around the world, and people celebrate the holidays in many different ways. A typical Christmas holiday in Jamaica, for example, starts from early December and goes until New Year’s Day, with non-stop partying and family gatherings. And every year many Jamaicans, namely children, look forward to one of our long-standing traditions known as ‘Grand Market’.
Considering the protocols that the government has put in place to contain the spread of the virus this is an event that will have to change because of the usual large crowds and close social interaction.
In addition, with the restrictions and curfew in place, there already aren’t many places to go to for recreational and entertainment purposes.
What we’ll be spending our money on this holiday season
Keeping everything simple and sticking to a budget is the best way to manage your money this holiday season. Keeping in mind the uncertainty of what the next year may bring, staying within your budget is the best advice I can give you right now.
And while we are used to creating a more festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations, if you can’t afford them it’s best to live within your means and focus on the things you need most.
Getting into the Christmas Spirit (quarantine style)
Despite all that has happened this year we were still resilient in the face of adversity. Though the holidays aren’t as festive as they used to be, there are still ways to enjoy them while doing some more low risk activities and curbing the spread of the virus.
Activities like:
- Cleaning around the house: painting, redesigning and redecorating
- Early shopping to avoid crowds
- Wearing masks and maintaining social distancing while in public
- Having small dinners with only people from your household
- Preparing traditional family recipes for families and neighbours, and delivering them in ways that don’t involve too much contact with others
- Having virtual dinners and sharing recipes with friends and family
- Having more family time in your own household: playing games, watching movies, listening to music and telling stories
Christmas is a time for fun, love and happiness. Whether you’re celebrating for religious reasons or you just enjoy this time of the year, get yourself in the spirit and find more simple ways to celebrate the season. And, please, be sure to stay safe and very conscious that people across the globe are still contracting the virus as it lingers.
Season Greetings!
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