You look down at you at your frothy mug warming your hands from its immense heat, The marshmallows bubble out your hot chocolate and Maria Crey’s All I Want for Christmas is You plays in the background, almost completely frowned out by the voices. Your family is crowded around the macbook trying to get in a “Hello” to Grandma from over ZOOM. This christmas, you see nothing but little pixelated squares of your favorite cousins and relatives because this year snow didn’t cancel your family’s holiday party, COVID did. 

How will we celebrate in a pandemic? Since the increased risk that COVID-19 has brought on the nation, the use of virtual meetings has spiked in popularity.  

“Virtual meetings allow people to share information, experiences, and data in real-time without the need for being physically located in the same room together” the Virtual Training Team, a team of educators based in the UK said.

Virtual gatherings eliminate the costly need for masks, social distancing, and other preventive methods according to experts.

 “Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19,” the educators said. 

With siblings and extended family traveling home, safety concerns and risks will be increased. 

“The most socially responsible thing to do is to not throw any gathering, but it is hard letting go of yearly traditions and separating yourself from your relatives,” senior Bishesh Adhikari said. 

Traditional celebrations are being altered and families are opting out of the annual holiday parties. 

“As of right now, I don’t believe that I’ll be able to travel to Boston anytime soon to see my father’s side.”’ senior Jason Cox said.

Many students feel a responsibility to wear a mask and protect themselves and fellow family members. 

“I’ll try to wear a mask, but, realistically, I’ll probably end up not wearing it and hope I won’t contract anything,”Adhikari said.

Thanksgiving celebrations are setting the precedent for how many winter holidays may proceed. Dinner parties are still very much an option for many families.

 “I’m hoping I can travel to my grandmothers as usual but if not then we’ll just cook here and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from home,” Jason Cox said. 

Students are still looking forward to being safe and enjoying quality time with family, no matter how small parties may be. 

The family party aspect of many holidays is an undebatable tradition being upheld by many families this year. Although the pandemic is still very apparent and very present, holiday parties have the full potential to look very different considering current circumstances. Online meetings may replace those risky in-person parties and keep entire families safe.