Chantel Latham, Freshman
This past year, most holidays were affected by COVID-19 which upset many people, but everyone was able to make the best of it. Starting in October with Halloween, trick or treating was permitted, safely, with masks, but large parties were not. Instead of hosting Halloween parties or parades, the community decided to safely trick or treat or have Halloween craft or movie night. Granted, it wasn’t the same as previous years, but it was a way to keep children and families high spirited despite the circumstances. Some haunted houses were in fact open for the enjoyment of the public, although most were reservation only, as many things have been this year. For the first time in quite a few years, Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt was not open for attendance, even though many had hope that it would be.
During the month of November, there were many concerns for the amount of people traveling or gathering together for Thanksgiving. Many were limiting the amount of family that would attend, others did not heed to the suggestions recommended by Governor Wolf. The majority of the community took heed to the recommendations and stayed safe. Families mainly gathered in groups of less than 10 members in a house, or decided to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner outside so that they could enjoy it with more family members. Even though many are upset due to the events that have taken place, many were able to give thanks and cherish the little things that made their year brighter.
Back in August, everyone assumed the pandemic would have been over by the holiday. Even though the pandemic didn’t end, almost everyone was still able to celebrate Christmas while continuing to staysafe. Many families took drives to watch Christmas displays or enjoyed making cookies at home. Travel was heavy, as usual, and drew a great concern for many leaders and families. News of a new type of Coronavirus that had also been found in the UK caused many to worry even more. Once the long-awaited holiday arrived, many people were grateful for some family company, even if it was a small amount.
Most recently, the New Year started, ending the stressful year of 2020. This year, for the first time since 1907, there were no attendees allowed in Times Square to ring in the New Year. There were performances and guests made up of honored essential workers who have worked day and night to protect the nation. Despite the forbidden attendance of the ball drop, over 100 people were still able to witness from behind the barriers, many respectfully wearing masks. No matter what the precautions were for the New Years celebrations, everyone was happy to see 2020 go.
This past year looked very different compared to other years. Many people in America had focused on the negative effects the year brought, but many saw the year as an opportunity to change and there definitely was change.Holidays and festivities may have looked different in 2020, but there were still ways the community came together and spread love and joy.
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