COVID-19 has affected our holiday’s for the last two years. With the lockdown beginning in March of 2020, we didn’t get our normal family time for Thanksgiving last year. It doesn’t seem like this year is going to be much different according to the CDC, but what is everyone really doing?

Things still aren’t back to normal. We are still supposed to wear masks everywhere and continue to try and social distance. The CDC still recommends all of these things, but not many people continue to follow them. A lot of people say “I’m over it” or “I’m done with the COVID thing,” and disregard the regulations. If we don’t follow the guidelines in public, why would we follow them in private?

A lot of students are going home for the holidays, which is expected. However, they are having family gatherings that include more than just immediate family. This does not go against the CDC, however they suggest that you be vaccinated before travel. They say if you are not vaccinated you should wear a mask everywhere. However, if you are vaccinated, you only need to wear a mask indoors and around a lot of people.

As the Delta variant continues to spread, the CDC would like everyone to still take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this holiday season. They were suggesting virtual Thanksgivings instead of gathering together like we normally would. They sent this message out on October 1 and then removed it from their website on October 4.

Most people are still having their normal Thanksgivings with their families, and it doesn’t seem like the CDC is opposing it. These things are going to happen no matter what the CDC says. According to the majority of students here, Thanksgiving is going to proceed as normal no matter what they say.