How should we celebrate the season this year?

As the year has worn on for all of us, many of my weekly columns have contained a paragraph or two about the COVID-19 pandemic. Lately though, I decided to focus on somewhat more mundane topics – figuring that you hear enough about the pandemic from other sources. Hopefully, those sources are reliable and informed.

With Christmas but a week away most of us – if not all – are perhaps wondering about how this Christmas and holiday season will look. Do we celebrate in a somber atmosphere or do we go all out, with the knowledge that this could all be behind us next year?

I can only give you my own opinion and personal thoughts. I believe that this year, of all years, we do need to celebrate while also remembering those that we have lost to the virus. Our community has suffered real losses from COVID-19 and others have come very close. Families have lost loved ones; friends have lost dear friends and I would imagine that all of us are now at a point where we know someone who lost their struggle with the virus.

For many, this holiday season will be one of sadness, whether it is because of the loss of a loved one or not being able to have the normal large family gathering.

This year certainly puts a renewed focus on family and friends and staying in touch with our loved ones. Most people do seem more friendly and open to conversation. Maybe that is something that we take out of this – something that we have always known and perhaps took for granted – the season is about loving and giving to others, and holding on to people, not things. Let’s make this Christmas and holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons.

As many predicted, the conference relaxed the rules, and the Buckeyes will be playing in the conference championship against Northwestern on Saturday. A victory should put the scarlet and gray into the playoff as the number four team. However, there is no guarantee of that, but I think everyone would be shocked if it didn’t happen. The dilemma for the Buckeyes is that they will only have played six games versus other teams – like Florida, Cincinnati, Texas A&M and others who have played 8, 9 or even 10 games. What if – if – Florida knocks off Alabama in the SEC title game? There is always speculation and that’s why they play the game on the field.

As I am writing this column (Monday, Dec. 14) the Browns are gearing up for their big game against the Ravens with playoff scenarios on the line. It’s fun to be able to make a prediction for this one – Browns 27 – Ravens 17.

We all know that we have many choices when it comes to shopping for Christmas. Let’s remember to shop local first. If you are not comfortable browsing the shops and aisles, let a gift certificate speak for you. Think of everyday needs along with the unusual and your shopping and spending money locally becomes easy.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion