Merry COVID Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner and Omicron rearing its ugly head for all to see; it’s hard not to wonder — or worry — if we’ll see a return to our 2020 quarantine.
As we approach our second full year of dealing with COVID, it’s hard to imagine it’s gone on this long. We remember better than anyone how the original lockdown was only supposed to last two weeks. How there wouldn’t be a second wave. Yet here we are, still trudging through the trenches with no end in sight and a potential fifth wave on the horizon.
It’s Christmas time. A time where we should spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. Remember what we have, what we cherish, and of course to give and receive gifts.
We’re going into our second COVID Christmas. We’re mad, frustrated, and some may even feel lost. Hopefully, sometime around family will help alleviate those feelings. We don’t know when this will end, when mandatory masks will stop, or even when vaccine passports may be a thing of the past.
Alberta has slightly lessened restrictions for the holiday season. But we ask you to not forget basic health and hygiene. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face if they’re dirty, and cover your mouth if you need to sneeze or cough. And if you feel sick, don’t attend any gatherings for the benefit of everyone around you. It’s better safe than sorry this holiday season and while it may be disappointing to miss any events, there’s no need to risk it if you feel sick.
We’re sure many people may be scared this holiday season will lead to another wave and another lockdown. But it may not have to be. Just be smart and use your best judgement.
And also remember to be nice to everyone this holiday season. They’ve gone through just as much as you have and we’re all still fighting tooth and nail to see this to the end. This time of the year should make way for smiles, laughs, joy and cheer. So let’s all make it so.