Masks instead of Garlands: Christmas in a pandemic

By T. Kotler

A COVID-19 vaccine is probably the most wanted item in this year’s Christmas wish list... if only Santa was scientist. In most countries, a cure is yet to be delivered, which leaves us wondering: will the garlands will be replaced by masks?

According to the French President Emmanuel Macron, it will be “a Christmas not like others”. Although this is completely true, this sentence does not stress the changes that will be made enough. For instance, in Germany and Spain, only 10 people gatherings will be allowed. On the other hand, in Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte reassures the people that Christmas will happen as long as there are no more 'waves'. Nevertheless, He will need to forgive the Christians missing the Christmas mass. In countries such as Belgium, leaders are yet to decide the measures that must be taken. The Prime Minister has said, “The last thing we want is a Christmas wave”. And even though the UK’s vaccination process is schedule to start by the end of this week, the government is advising minimal contact between households.


In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro is yet to inform the people what will and what will not be allowed on the 25th. Nonetheless, we must continue respecting health guidelines: instead of 12 days of Christmas, we have 14 days of quarantine, which are indisputable if you intend on celebrating the festivity. Fortunately, we live in the southern hemisphere, which means that gatherings can (and should) take place in the open. Christmas cuisine is undeniably my favourite aspect about Christmas. However, it is also a great source of contamination, specially for Brazilians, as we love sharing our food. This year, to avoid the spread of the pandemic, my family has decided to serve finger food. Another precaution we intend on taking is having a smaller gathering. It was exceptionally challenging to choose the guest list, but to assure everyone’s (and particularly the elderly’s) safeties, the guest list was cut short. Finally, if possible, prioritise online shopping rather than going to a shopping mall. Everyone loves giving and receiving gifts on Christmas, but stores can be a very contagious environment (and online shopping can be extremely entertaining).