Concerns have been growing about how the holidays will function this year, but there’s nothing to worry about! Christmas and other holidays can be celebrated even with the presence of COVID-19, Supply-Chain issues, and staffing shortages. 

  The holidays may look different due to  COVID-19 and its restrictions. However, fears can be eliminated with hope for a normal holiday season.

  An abundance of restrictions have been removed, including mask mandates. Stores have decided to remove the mandate to wear a mask inside, as well as parks and other places. Many restaurants have removed their restrictions as well. 

  Travel bans have been lifted, and people can now travel to other countries. It makes having a vacation or visiting family overseas much easier.

  “Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.” Stated Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President at AAA travel, in an article from CNBC.

  Vaccines are now widely available., and a large amount of the population has already received multiple doses of the vaccine.

This year people want to be comfortable with their families. That is the most important thing for the holidays.

  “This holiday season, sweaters are nice but what people really want is a warm embrace from family or loved ones,” said Daher, Vice Chair, U.S. Transportation, hospitality and services leader of nonattest services at Deloitte.

  Family is very important to many people, and being able to see them is important. Gatherings may resume as people become more comfortable regardless of the virus.

  Happy COVID-19 holidays, the shortages, prices, mandates! The holidays are not so holly jolly this year as they have been in the past, but what does GLHS think?

  COVID-19 has been plaguing the world for almost two years now, but the mandates on masks and vaccines have put a strain on family gatherings. Most may not be concerned with the mandates and will continue with their gatherings; others may not feel comfortable. 

   “I think it will probably have an effect on that point … I am not sure about the masks, but COVID-19 will pull some families apart during the holidays” said sophomore Landon Birchmire.

That is just the beginning of this odd holiday season.

  Certain gifts are not available, and families often travel during the holiday season. Sadly, airports, shipping, and markets are missing much of their staff resulting in many delays.

  “No one can be 100% sure that a gift will be available or that their plane will arrive on time”. Mentioned Senior, Paul Woods.

  It is unknown when the supply chain or the staffing issues will be fixed, while the path to what will happen during the holiday season is unknown.

  Lastly, inflation is not helping the current state of this holiday season. Food and gas are already very expensive, but gifts may have higher prices too. It might be hard to afford that one gift that a person has been dreaming of or to even have a nice holiday dinner on the table. 

“Oh yeah, I heard that food is going to be costing a lot,” said Senior, Mikayla Lee. “I feel like we are not helping, and just contributing more to the problem”. 

Obviously, some students are little concerned about this holiday season compared to others, especially with the inflation.

  Even though this holiday season will be different, hope should not be lost. After all, holidays are not about gifts, it is about the memories that are made. Always have a happy holiday!