Thanksgiving will still be celebrated by many families this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent spike in cases across the country, in Dublin, and at Jerome have many people worried.

Holiday gatherings and traditions can inspire a sense of normalcy and provide an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones that many people are looking for right now; however, because family gatherings have the potential to spread the virus, people are also looking for ways to protect their loved ones.

The CDC recommends that families monitor their risks before and during a gathering by checking levels of COVID-19 in their community and the community they’re traveling to, monitoring symptoms and exposure to the virus, and understanding the number of people at the gathering and their behaviors prior to the event. They also recommend that those at higher risk for severe sickness (like the elderly and those with preexisting conditions) do not partake in holiday gatherings.

Sydney Krasniewski, a freshman at Jerome, says that her family is skipping out on the holiday celebrations this year because of the virus. She asks that people please “stay socially distanced” and “be safe.”

Others like Rhyan Rish, a sophomore at Jerome, still plan to celebrate with their families. She thinks this year it’s important for people to come together and believes: “we can figure out new and innovative ways to keep everyone safe.”

The CDC recommends this holiday season that people host outdoor gatherings as much as possible and continues to stress the three biggest things people can do to prevent the spread of the virus: wash their hands often, wear a mask, and social distance at least six feet from other people.

Students who are celebrating this year still plan to have traditional Thanksgiving meals including turkey, casserole, mashed potatoes, pie, and other foods, as well as stay true to other holiday traditions.

Perhaps the most important Thanksgiving tradition of them all, people are looking back on this year, counting their blessings, and expressing gratitude. Jasmine Larijani, a Jerome sophomore, said “I am thankful that no one in my family has gotten COVID yet and that we’ve managed to remain healthy.” Krasniewski is thankful that online school has allowed her to get her sleep schedule on track.

Regardless of how families decide to celebrate this year, COVID is on everybody’s minds. However, at this time, there is potential to celebrate safely while restoring a sense of normalcy and tradition.