This year has been an unforgettable one, and the holiday season has felt like no exception. As we come to the end of 2020 and look ahead to 2021, it’s hard not to think back to what Christmas this year could have been. For many of us, Christmas 2020 was an unremarkable event, one that was significantly different from the norm. I can’t help but to reflect on the year and all that it has brought, and to reminisce on what could have been. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. As we look towards 2021 with hope, let’s take a moment to look back on an unremarkable Christmas 2020.
Unremarkable Christmas
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This Christmas season was far from the holiday cheer we’ve come to expect. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were forced to forgo their usual traditions in order to stay safe. In the United States, a survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago found that about 55% of people celebrated Christmas 2020 at home, compared to only 24% during the same period of 2019.
People used different methods to make their holiday season a bit more special. Many took to online shopping to buy gifts and presents for their loved ones, and others took advantage of virtual holiday gatherings. Despite the many restrictions and limitations caused by the pandemic, people still found creative ways to celebrate.
Unfortunately, many other people were not as fortunate. The pandemic brought an increase in poverty, hunger and unemployment, leaving many people unable to afford presents or a proper holiday meal. Organizations such as Feeding America and the World Food Program had to increase their efforts to provide aid to those in need.
Although Christmas 2020 was undoubtedly different than what we have gotten used to, it was still full of love, kindness and hope. People found ways to come together during a time of uncertainty and celebrate the holiday in a memorable way.
From virtual celebrations to helping those in need, Christmas 2020 was an unremarkable yet meaningful holiday season.
Global Pandemic: Impact on Celebrations
This Christmas season has been anything but ordinary. With the ongoing global pandemic, many of us have had to make drastic changes to the way we celebrate the holiday. During this time, it is important to take note of how the pandemic is affecting our holiday traditions.
According to a survey by Deloitte, 56% of people will be staying home for the holidays this year, compared to only 30% last year. Additionally, the CDC found that holiday travel has been significantly reduced this year, with only 14% of Americans planning to travel this holiday season, compared to 25% last year.
These changes have meant that people have had to find creative ways to celebrate the holiday season while still staying safe. Many people have shifted their family gatherings to virtual platforms, while others have embraced outdoor activities that allow them to be socially distanced. With limited access to traditional holiday festivities, people have had to be more resourceful in how they celebrate.
Moreover, the pandemic has had an effect on the holiday spirit. A survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found that 36% of consumers planned to spend less on holiday gifts this year. With the economic uncertainty that the pandemic has brought, many people have had to be more mindful of their spending habits.
It goes without saying that this Christmas season has been anything but ordinary. The pandemic has had a profound effect on how we celebrate, but it has also highlighted the meaningful and creative ways that we can continue to celebrate even in the face of a global crisis.
Social Distancing: Holiday Parties
The holidays are normally a time to get together with family and friends to celebrate, but this year looks a little different. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has become the new normal. As a result, many people have had to rethink their traditional holiday parties and gatherings.
One of the biggest challenges of celebrating the holidays during the pandemic has been finding ways to remain socially distant while still creating a festive atmosphere. Fortunately, there are many different ways to host a socially distant holiday party. For example, hosting events outdoors, setting up holiday decorations and activities that keep everyone at least six feet apart, and providing sanitizing supplies or requiring masks for guests.
Additionally, virtual holiday gatherings are becoming increasingly popular. Through platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Houseparty, people can connect in real-time from anywhere in the world. This is an especially great option for those who may be unable to travel during this time.
However, although the holiday season may look different, it doesn’t have to be unremarkable. With a little creativity and effort, people can still find ways to bring the holiday spirit to their celebrations.
Furthermore, the CDC provides guidelines and recommendations for hosting safe holiday gatherings. Following these guidelines can help ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy during this special time of the year.
Zoom Christmas: Virtual Gathering
2020 was an unprecedented year due to the global pandemic, and Christmas was no exception. This holiday season brought the new norm of Zoom gatherings and virtual celebrations instead of the traditional in-person festivities. Despite the many roadblocks, there were still positives to be found and it was a unique opportunity to get creative. According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, the average consumer spent $997 on gifts, decor, and other holiday-related purchases, a slight increase from 2019.
It was an unremarkable Christmas, but it was one that was filled with togetherness, no matter how far apart we may have been. People got creative with remote celebrations by sending their families and friends pre-recorded videos, online games, and even virtual gift exchanges. There was a distinct sense of unity, solidarity, and appreciation for what was present in our lives.
Fortunately, technology advancements were able to alleviate some of the burden of missing out on the holiday’s little moments. People were able to virtually “travel” and explore the world while also learning to appreciate the small things. The internet also allowed people to stay connected and to find new ways to embrace the holiday season.
In the end, 2020 was a year we’ll never forget, and an unremarkable Christmas that will live in our memories. Despite the physical distance, families and friends managed to stay connected in spirit and make the best of the holiday season.
Online Shopping: Gift Buying
Christmas 2020 was an unremarkable holiday season for many reasons. Online shopping and gift buying was one area particularly affected. In fact, a recent survey showed that over 80% of holiday shoppers planned to buy at least some gifts online. This was a significant shift compared to that of 2019, when only 38% of shoppers made purchases online.
The main reason for the shift was the impact of the global pandemic. With physical stores closed for extended periods and social distancing guidelines in place, consumers increasingly turned to online shopping for their holiday gifts. This was especially true for those attempting to avoid potential exposure to the virus.
Despite the shift to online retail, there was still much to be desired. Shipping delays, out-of-stock items, and frustrating returns policies caused frustration for many shoppers. As such, many ended up settling for less than ideal gifts for their friends and family, leading to an unremarkable Christmas compared to previous years.
Nevertheless, the holiday season was still filled with joy for those who managed to find the perfect gift online. For those who didn’t, there’s always next year. With the right resources and strategies in place, 2021 can be a much brighter Christmas.
Holiday Staycations: New Traditions
As the world faces an unprecedented pandemic, it’s no wonder that a traditional Christmas isn’t going to be possible this year. Instead, many are choosing to take a ‘staycation’ over the holidays and create new traditions. With certain restrictions in place, the idea of an “unremarkable Christmas” in 2020 is becoming increasingly real.
According to a recent survey, 35% of Americans are opting for a staycation over the holiday season. This means that people are staying closer to home and spending more time in their local communities. Instead of traveling, people are seeking out ways to enjoy the holiday season while staying within their local area.
At the same time, many people are taking this as an opportunity to create new and exciting traditions. From virtual family gatherings to outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to make the holiday season special. For those feeling the financial strain, there are also plenty of low-cost activities that families can enjoy together.
It’s worth noting that staying safe during the holidays is still a priority. Many places are still limiting social gatherings and instituting a variety of safety protocols due to the pandemic. It is important to check your local guidelines and make sure you’re following all the necessary protocols.
So while it may be an unremarkable Christmas for many, it doesn’t have to be a boring one. There are plenty of ways to make the season special, no matter where you are or what your budget may be. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make this holiday season memorable
Coping During Difficult Times
The holidays can be a difficult time of year for many, especially as we enter 2020’s unprecedented and tumultuous year. Whether it’s due to a lack of family gatherings, financial hardship, or the general stress associated with the pandemic, this Christmas may be far from “unremarkable.” According to recent research from the American Psychological Association, 69% of adults are feeling increased levels of stress due to the pandemic.
That said, we can still find hope and solace during these difficult times. There are a variety of ways to cope with the stress, such as participating in virtual holiday events, creating new rituals, and connecting with friends and family. Additionally, taking time for yourself and engaging in self-care is important. Mental health resources like counseling and meditation apps can also be helpful.
Christmas is traditionally a time of joy and merriment, and it can be hard to acknowledge the realities of the year. That said, it is important to remember that we are not alone. Many of us are struggling with similar emotions, and it’s important to reach out and connect with those around us. From supporting local businesses to donating to a cause, there are many ways to make a difference and spread some holiday cheer.
Overall, it is ok to feel the emotions associated with an “unremarkable” Christmas, but it is also important to remember that we are all part of a larger community. By leaning on each other and finding new ways to connect, we can make this holiday season
Conclusion
An Unremarkable Christmas 2020 was a year for the history books. The pandemic has changed the way we celebrated the holidays, and it was a reminder that we are all in this together. Despite the fact that we couldn’t be with our loved ones in person, the spirit of Christmas was still alive and well in our hearts. We found new ways to connect and to focus on what really matters. Though this year was different, it was still a season of hope and joy. As we look ahead to the New Year, let’s remember the lessons of 2020 and continue to stay connected to one another, even when we can’t be together.