2020 has been a very stressful and isolating year for us all. Although, with winter break coming up, it’s given us something to look forward to. With virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been spending a lot of time at home. So everyone is looking forward to a chance to escape the monotony of staring at their screens and being trapped at home. Winter break lasts from December 23th to January 4th.

Due to the holiday coronavirus restrictions, many holiday traditions will have to be modified. The CDC states that, “As cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to increase across the United States, the safest way to celebrate the winter holidays is to celebrate at home with people who live with you.” Traveling and celebrating in big gatherings can greatly increase the risk of getting and spreading the virus. If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.

Of course you can still have gatherings, but be sure to follow the new rules and regulations. For example, if someone who is more susceptible to getting the virus isn’t comfortable meeting at a gathering you can talk with them virtually through a video call.

“I’m disappointed because I won’t be able to see my family” Ms. Sullivan, computer science teacher at HMHS stated, ”but we can have long distance facetime calls.”

Also, the virus is more likely to spread in an indoor environment with poor air ventilation, so you can gather outside. Now, with the colder weather, it’s harder to gather outside, but you can always wear warm clothes or sit by a fire. Just because we have to cut back on a couple of winter activities doesn’t mean we can’t have fun at all. There are still ways you can enjoy winter break and have fun safely. Although many stores and entertainment facilities might be closed, there are plenty of other ways to spend your winter break.

One way is to go and explore nature. Ms. Sullivan proclaimed, “I usually go for a hike somewhere up in New Hampshire, but this year I think I’ll stay local.” Going for a hike is a great way to get exercise and check out your natural surroundings. Mr.Gordon, a 7th grade English teacher at HMHS, talked about how, “This year I’m excited to go snowshoeing for the first time.”

Other winter activities and sports like snowboarding, skiing, figure skating, sledding, and ice hockey are a great way to take advantage of the snowy weather. If you’re not one for the cold weather, you can always snuggle up and enjoy indoor winter activities. Indoor activities include reading, watching movies, drawing, gaming, knitting, bracelet-making, play board games, baking, and so much more.

Ms. Sullivan talked about how, “During winter break, I like to sit in and watch holiday movies.” Watching new movies is a great activity for winter break, as well as re-watching old ones.

Whatever you may do on winter break, make sure you unwind from the stresses of 2020 and get ready for 2021!