The Holidays May Feel ‘Normal' Again This Year—But Covid Has Changed Them in 3 Ways You Might Not Expect

The holiday season was marked by family reunions, friends gatherings, and travel -- sometimes across the nation just to be there -- until the Covid-19 pandemic. The virus changed holidays instantly, forcing many Americans into breaking long-held traditions and adjusting to a new reality: Gatherings with loved ones could potentially pose a risk to their health. Now, almost three years have passed since the virus was first transmitted to the U.S.
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Are the tides returning to pre-pandemic levels or is Covid permanently changing the way Americans celebrate the holidays? It seems that both are true. Americans are returning to social gatherings in person more often over the last year. Many households may not feel the same way as they did before the pandemic. This year's New Year's, Thanksgiving and other end of-the-year celebrations can seem almost like pre-pandemic holidays.
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Experts say that Covid still has a profound impact on how we celebrate the holidays with others. It's difficult to know if the holidays will ever return to the way they were before March 2020. Jessica Borelli, a psychologist at UC Irvine, told CNBC Make It that the pandemic has "really changed the way we interact with people in almost all circumstances, including holidays." The pandemic has had a profound impact on American holiday traditions and Covid safety. Here are three ways it has affected Americans' holiday planning. It's more stressful to plan holidays
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Everyone has a different attitude to Covid risk. This makes it more difficult to plan holidays where everyone feels at home. It might be necessary to balance the needs of someone who is comfortable in a quiet space and avoids crowds. There are still pre-pandemic concerns, such as making events comfortable for elderly guests who are sensitive to temperature, or parents who want their children to be safe.
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Even if guests and hosts are on the same page they will likely spend some time thinking about Covid. This adds to the stress. Borelli said that Covid brings a new layer of consideration. "Hosts need to talk with each party and ask them how they feel about hosting. Are we allowed to serve food indoors? Americans are abandoning tradition. Many Americans had to give up their annual traditions after the first year of the pandemic.
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Kristen Carpenter, a Columbus-based clinical psychologist, said that this "opened people's eyes towards the possibility of change, and ways to celebrate that were unimaginable before." Many holiday celebrations are so deeply rooted in tradition. It was assumed that every year was the same.
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It doesn't have be like that. The past two year has shown us this." Carpenter states that some people are returning to their traditions now that they have "returned to most forms normalcy." According to a Black & Decker November survey, nearly half of Americans expect to host more holiday parties this year than they did in 2019.
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Others may be content to not bring back their traditions. There are many benefits to staying home and not traveling around the country or attending small gatherings. According to Deloitte's November survey, more Americans prefer to stay at home from Thanksgiving through mid-January. The intention to travel fell 26% in comparison to last year.
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Carpenter states, "Now that tradition is being interrupted, I believe we will see people more dictated to personal preference." "People are less likely to be involved in traditions they don't like." People are more selective in choosing their guests lists. The pandemic forced many people to prioritise who or what is most important to them. Borelli says that this has made Americans more selective in choosing who they spend time with over the holidays.
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She says that this is a positive thing on the one hand. You are able to spend more time with people who have the same Covid beliefs and comfort levels as you, instead of with those you may disagree with. Borelli states that it has created a more disengaged and disconnected society. Borelli adds that spending time with many people can have benefits. It can broaden your knowledge, help you to see the world from a different perspective, and teach you how to navigate social situations.
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Borelli said that he worries about the trend of choosing social interactions that make him feel good all the times. I believe there are benefits to having some things that aren't always satisfying on every level. Register now to learn more about your career and money with our weekly newsletter.