It’s no secret how different this holiday season feels in comparison to prior years. The new normal seems to coincide with shifting traditions and gathering with families over the familiarity of computer screens. 

Despite recent obstacles, society has continued to display perseverance through these trying times. Such examples can even be found within our own Pentucket community over this past Thanksgiving. Even if we were unable to spend time with our families, we all still tried the best we could to be with our loved ones in some way.

The Holidays in Our Community

Mrs. Barlow: “For over 20 years we have held Thanksgiving at our house, as we have family in Vermont and New Jersey; this year was a Zooming one. No one traveled and we had a large Zoom with my mom, son, siblings, and nieces’ [and ] nephew’s families for about an hour and a half. Later, we enjoyed having a Zoom Thanksgiving dinner with my son and one of my sisters and her family. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as there is no pressure but lots of family time. This year we made the most of it and were able to spend it as a family, albeit differently, which is all that counts!”

Mr. Seymour: “The biggest change for us was not spending the holiday with our extended family. This year my wife and I spent the day with just our children, instead of the usual 50 uncles and aunts and cousins. It was still a wonderful day.”

Ms. Cavallaro: “Although my Thanksgiving was much smaller this year (5 rather than the normal 47), the most important part stayed the same. Every year, my mom and I do our aprons, play Christmas music, and bake an insane amount of desserts together. Of course, Cooper is right there hoping to steal a few cookies. It’s such a warm, cozy, and fun time making treats that will make everyone happy the next day!”

Ms. Costello: “Normally, my mother would eat Thanksgiving dinner with us. However, she is elderly and has health issues that put her at a very high risk of dying from COVID, so we haven’t been seeing her. So, I cooked dinner as usual and plated it all up, and then we met at a library in between our houses, and I transferred Thanksgiving dinner to her car. We both went back to our respective homes, and then we Zoomed. The empty pot would have been for turnip. However, because I am not going into grocery stores, I order groceries and pick up curbside, if I don’t remember something a 1 1/2 weeks before the meal when I place my order we don’t eat that item.”

Ms. Goodrich: “It’s sad not seeing [my family], but this makes sense. We will “Zoom” with my daughter and her fiancé and have some snacks, etc. They are Zooming with his parents for the meal. Essentially, my feelings are that [separating] for this holiday is better than [separating] for all future holidays. We are staying as safe as possible. And I’m making Jambalaya instead of a turkey, and spending extra cash on giving to food banks. It is a very hard year for many, many people.”

These recent holidays have been a constant reminder of what’s important. COVID may change our traditions, but it doesn’t have to change our attitude about the holidays. 

Thanksgiving showed us how the safety of our families and loved ones always comes first, which is important to keep in mind for upcoming holidays this month. Coming together has to be different, but at least we are able to hear the voices of those we miss, and spend time with the people we love one step at a time.