The pandemic’s influence on holiday traditions
December 19, 2022
The pandemic has caused hindrances to our daily lives. The countless changes that the lockdown has brought upon practically everyones’ lives can be described best as overwhelming. As the holiday season inches closer and closer by the day, forgotten side effects of the pandemic begin to shine through; the holidays do not feel the same as they once did.
Whether people are less inclined to participate in the holiday spirit or it is just a side effect of growing up, it is noteworthy to say that numerous people, not only at King, have felt some form of this recently.
Aleesha Qureshi, a grade 10 student at King shares her thoughts on the matter, “Over the past two years in lockdown, my family that was once very close started to drift apart.” Qureshi feels that the pandemic has created a boundary between her family and as a result, her family’s usual traditions have shifted, “The Christmas season isn’t the same way it used to be. As I’m Muslim, I don’t really celebrate Christmas religiously, however, my family used to always throw parties just for fun. Now when I think of the holiday season it feels more lonely rather than a time of cheer.”
COVID-19 has forced countless individuals to shy away from their normal traditions due to shortages and lack of opportunities. Such limitations have shown and convinced many that the effort they used to put into the holiday season may not be worth the struggle. As such, winter holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even New Year’s Eve feel watered down and not as magical as they once felt.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that this may not be viewed negatively by all, in fact, these changes have made the holiday season much less stressful. Without the intense pressure of buying gifts for all of one’s extended family, some may be appreciative of such a shift. It has allowed individuals to celebrate aspects of the holidays they treasure the most.
The pandemic has given people a chance to change and reshape their traditions in ways that may suit their needs better. Although the matter can be viewed in both good and bad ways, it is safe to say that this big change has been underway for quite a bit; as time passes, more realize how big an impact lockdown has had on their holiday traditions.