With the global pandemic, the holidays will look different this year. People’s plans may be changing, travel may be canceled, and new traditions may be developing.

College students will be coming home soon for the holidays and winter break, but instead of heading to large gatherings as in the past, they will most likely be hunkered down at home with their immediate families. Since many relatives are from different states, including college-age cousins and grandchildren who could present a risk for older family members, this may be something that will hold many families back from getting together. 

Senior Kathleen Murray’s family has a tradition of going out to California for Christmas to celebrate with her cousins and grandparents who live there. However, if they go this year, their trip will look very different than years past. Stores are likely to be closed, grandparents may not be in attendance, and due to restaurant seating restrictions, family members won’t be able to sit together when dining out. Murray’s family will be breaking a tradition of 16+ years if they decide not to go. 

Breaking these traditions can be very difficult, but it also gives families an opportunity to create new ones! Many families with siblings in college may take this time to relax at home and spend time together–especially since they haven’t seen each other since August. Although the holidays will not be as social, it will be a good time to catch up with loved ones, watch plenty of movies, try new holiday bakes, and listen to holiday music. Families will be making the most of their time with each other and looking forward to all of their traditions, old and new!