In a normal year, I would say the first week of November is too early to start thinking about Christmas. This year, I’ll take any extra joy I can get.

Many people have already set up their Christmas trees / Pixabay

It’s been a week since Halloween and after the absolute roller coaster that was the past seven days both personally and worldwide, I don’t blame anyone who wants to put their tree up early to celebrate. Starbucks holiday drinks are already here, they’re playing Christmas music at the mall… but what will a COVID-19 Christmas look like?

For people who split their time between multiple households, for couples who don’t live together, for families across international borders, the past eight months have been particularly difficult. For many, the holiday season is about finally being able to see family again, going house to house seeing people you only see once every 365 days. For obvious reasons, that can’t happen this year. With the new restrictions in place, this has only become more clear.

But we find ways around it. For the first time in years, my family is sending Christmas cards to everyone we would usually see. We’re delivering baked goods in tins to neighbours. We’re saving a plate or two of dinner, dropping them off at my grandparent’s house so they can enjoy the feast. My friends and I are planning a Zoom holiday party, and doing a virtual secret Santa.

The Vancouver Christmas Tree lighting will be broadcast on November 27th / Wikimedia

This Christmas isn’t going to be a normal one. For me, it’s hard to imagine a Vancouver Christmas without the Vancouver Christmas Market, which has unfortunately been cancelled this year. Many of the craft fairs, parades, and other traditions I love also can’t happen. But some things still can. The PNE is continuing their 2020 drive thru traditions with a Christmas edition. The Stanley Park Christmas train is on track to open again in a few weeks. The annual lights display Lumiere is already lighting up the West End.

As we approach December, at risk of sounding cliché, health and safety is the best gift you can give your loved ones this year.

But they probably have enough masks and hand sanitizer.