Thanksgiving is around the corner, or as families call it this year, Zooms-giving! Then comes Zooms-mas!

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though.

That’s the direction we’re most likely heading towards this year: all virtual holiday get-togethers. During this pandemic, cases are at an all-time high. The numbers are increasingly higher than when we first started.

Students and employees at Rowan University are able to get free testing before traveling back home. This way, the close contacts and immediate family members in the household will be safe and won’t contract COVID-19. Students were able to get tested starting on Nov. 16, and still can right now.

Upcoming holidays are going to look different for families, especially with the high-risk groups of older people, such as grandparents, and people with severe underlying conditions, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

It’s important to avoid close contact with anyone who doesn’t live in your household. On Thanksgiving, you might visit other family members from outside their home, maintaining a six-foot distance. Making a quick visit to a loved one’s home could easily brighten up their day. Spreading love and positivity is what we all need! 

Every family has different traditions. Some people travel to their grandparents for the holiday. It’s unfortunate that we have to be separated, but keeping one another healthy and safe is important. Here are several bullet points to keep in mind!

The Pros 

• It’s a cozy gathering with a smaller circle.
• You’re in the comfort of your own home.
• There’s less pressure on setting up and cooking.
• Most importantly, you’re keeping yourself and your loved ones safe!!

The Cons

• You miss seeing grandparents and extended family members.
• A virtual get-together is not quite the same as one in-person.
• You might miss out on a famous dish that a certain family member cooks.

Let’s be safe, mindful and optimistic. Have a great Zooms-Giving!

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