The most wonderful time of the year has arrived in Elmira as community members embrace this sentimental season with gratitude and hopes of better times ahead. In a year that has been anything but certain, the holidays have provided everyone with a much needed sense of familiarity as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times. It has been comforting to know that the pandemic has not deterred Christmas festivities this year as the community prepares for many Covid-safe activities to get into the holiday spirit. The most pronounced Christmas pursuit this year has been house-decorating as it is a fun activity to do from home with family. It has been super fun to drive around and see all of the beautiful wreaths, christmas lights, and decorations on houses. One of the more consistently popular Christmas activities is baking a sheet of cookies and snuggling up on the couch to watch a good Christmas movie. It is an excellent and cozy way to embrace the holiday cheer from home. In addition to the regular festivities that associate with Christmas, the community has also planned several events to spread joy and give back. Bradley Farms is continuing its traditional “TinselTown” event this year to provide a fun and safe way to drive around and look at beautiful lights. There have also been several philanthropic efforts to provide the less fortunate in our community with a sense of comfort going into the holidays. The Salvation Army is continuing its annual Angel Tree program for underprivileged children to receive presents, which has been another fun activity for all of the shoppers. Notre Dame is also playing our part in giving back this season with our annual Christmas Basket exchange. Even without a Golden Mass, the Notre Dame community is putting all of our efforts towards making Christmas extra special this year for those who cannot have one on their own. Another event to look forward to this month within the Notre Dame community is the premiere of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Students have been working hard in preparation for the show and Notre Dame will present the production, free of charge as another way of giving back in our 65th year! Although the full effect of Christmas is not attainable this year with the pandemic, everyone is making the most of the situation and more importantly spreading the joy of Christmas by giving back. 

While we are in the middle of the holiday season, we are starting to see a spike in COVID-19 cases. Even locally there has been an increase in cases, which will most likely continue to grow during the Christmas season and the New Year. In Chemung County we are facing the difficulty in testing and keeping numbers low. Additionally, there are some hardships with the “orange zone” and what businesses can be open and functioning. Many think it is unfair that some restaurants can be open and serving while ones across the road cannot be. The situation we find ourselves in is very difficult and is still new to us all. We just need to be patient and find the best way to handle cases and stop the spread. Hopefully the cases will soon come down and we can reopen and go back to school!