A question for Americans...

[Evangelicalhumanist]

I really want to know...

I know there are those who think that COVID-19 is fake, and I know there are those who think it's very dangerous.

But I also know how important this family holiday is for Americans -- possibly more so even than Christmas -- and that this break in tradition would be a real wrench for many.

And I know that the concern many Americans have for leaving out much-loved family members -- not bringing them "home for the holidays" would seem to be just about a tragedy.

So, Americans, what will you do? And if you'd care to answer ----- why?

 

[Left Coast]

I really want to know...

I know there are those who think that COVID-19 is fake, and I know there are those who think it's very dangerous.

But I also know how important this family holiday is for Americans -- possibly more so even than Christmas -- and that this break in tradition would be a real wrench for many.

And I know that the concern many Americans have for leaving out much-loved family members -- not bringing them "home for the holidays" would seem to be just about a tragedy.

So, Americans, what will you do? And if you'd care to answer ----- why?

I had a small Friendsgiving last weekend with 2 close friends who are both asymptomatic and taking COVID seriously.

On Thanksgiving, I'll have another small gathering with a couple in-laws, also all asymptomatic and taking COVID seriously. The eldest in-law is staying away, as she's well into her 80s and we don't want to risk it.

It's a struggle, as you mention. I love family gatherings for the holidays. Such a beautiful time of food and laughter and gift-giving. Not to mention adorable decorations! But we are trying to adjust as best we can. I just hope it doesn't become the "new normal."

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

As a Canadian, of course, my Thanksgiving was weeks ago (before the snow started falling). I have been behaving as if I am in a semi-lockdown situation -- cases are rising here, as well, and we must all do what we can to help us get through to vaccine availability without a lot of really unnecessary illnesses and death.

Not a lot of fun, but necessary, in my opinion.

 

[Trailblazer]

So, Americans, what will you do? And if you'd care to answer ----- why?

We have no family or extended family so it is just me and the hubby and the cats.

 

[Polymath257]

My wife and I are going to have a thanksgiving meal with no visitors. But we're going to take some food over to my mom who is in a retirement home.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I really want to know...

I know there are those who think that COVID-19 is fake, and I know there are those who think it's very dangerous.

But I also know how important this family holiday is for Americans -- possibly more so even than Christmas -- and that this break in tradition would be a real wrench for many.

And I know that the concern many Americans have for leaving out much-loved family members -- not bringing them "home for the holidays" would seem to be just about a tragedy.

So, Americans, what will you do? And if you'd care to answer ----- why?

If we still had family we would. Most likely people would be uncomfortable bringing visitors so it would probably be with just close family and those we know don't have the disease. I'd feel kind of off knowing I don't have it and can't spend time with immediate family who doesn't have it because of the idea we "could" have it. But without strangers, though, we probably would.

I'm working on thanksgiving anyhow. Probably most people won't. Contrary to what's on t.v. many people are pretty compliment.

 

[Revoltingest]

Thanxgiving dinner by Zoom on Thursday.

 

[JustGeorge]

I am one of those folks whom the 'holidays' stress out. I'm alright staying home with kids, cats, and dogs. I do feel poorly for my Grandmother though, who is stuck in a 'home' with Covid. Can't even call her... they moved her to the Covid ward, and there's no phone in that room.

Added benefit is that I can eat whatever I want, other than picking off side dish trays(vegetarian).

 

[icehorse]

we'll do some video zooming or skype-ing

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I'm not celebrating it at all since it's pointless. I plan to sleep the day away and stay drunk. Has nothing to do with Covid which isn't affecting me at all except stressing me out and making me angry.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Can't even call her... they moved her to the Covid ward, and there's no phone in that room.

That's totally disgusting and unacceptable.

 

[Subduction Zone]

I am one of those folks whom the 'holidays' stress out. I'm alright staying home with kids, cats, and dogs. I do feel poorly for my Grandmother though, who is stuck in a 'home' with Covid. Can't even call her... they moved her to the Covid ward, and there's no phone in that room.

Added benefit is that I can eat whatever I want, other than picking off side dish trays(vegetarian).

That is insane. Why on Earth limit safe communication? If anything phones and tablets with skype or other video methods of contacting relatives should be encouraged. You might want to check on state laws of abuse. This may seriously qualify as an example of that.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

I confess I am, so far, quite heartened by the members of RF -- we are at 100% being safe right now. Thanks, folks! That is how we'll get through this.

 

[Quetzal]

We are going digital. Low key zoom call, that's it.

 

[JustGeorge]

It seems the 'home' expects residents to provide their own phone service. Most of the residents have cell phones or purchase land line service(she had a land line in her original room). You can indeed call the front desk and ask to talk to her, and I believe in ordinary circumstances, they'd bring her the phone. However, they're so short staffed right now, they just say they'll have her call later(which they don't).

My sister is a traveling nurse, and has gone to work with her a few times. (She was the one who had to break it to her "Grandma, you've got Covid".) She says the staffing situation is miserable. There is not legally enough staff in some places, but there are no staff to fill the gaps. What are the alternatives?

I read the governor was thinking of reaching out and asking medical staff to come to Iowa to work because we are so low on medical and personal care personnel, but its hard not to be disgusted. Iowa, until a week ago, was one of two states without a mask mandate. She finally put one in place last week.... for parties over 25. Party of 23? No masks required...

Like we should be having a party of 25 right now...

 

[Orbit]

It'll be just me and my husband. We're roasting a chicken and making the traditional sides.

 

[Wu Wei]

since there are only 5 of us left and one won't be home for thanksgiving we are down to 4

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I confess I am, so far, quite heartened by the members of RF -- we are at 100% being safe right now. Thanks, folks! That is how we'll get through this.

FYI, just because you're safe from Covid doesn't mean you're safe. Japan's October suicide rate was higher than all their Covid deaths in general, for example. Globally, suicides, domestic violence, homicides and substance abuse are going through the roof but hardly anyone seems to notice or care enough to talk about it. It's making me sick and even more hateful towards this world. Nobody cares.

 

[Subduction Zone]

It seems the 'home' expects residents to provide their own phone service. Most of the residents have cell phones or purchase land line service(she had a land line in her original room). You can indeed call the front desk and ask to talk to her, and I believe in ordinary circumstances, they'd bring her the phone. However, they're so short staffed right now, they just say they'll have her call later(which they don't).

My sister is a traveling nurse, and has gone to work with her a few times. (She was the one who had to break it to her "Grandma, you've got Covid".) She says the staffing situation is miserable. There is not legally enough staff in some places, but there are no staff to fill the gaps. What are the alternatives?

I read the governor was thinking of reaching out and asking medical staff to come to Iowa to work because we are so low on medical and personal care personnel, but its hard not to be disgusted. Iowa, until a week ago, was one of two states without a mask mandate. She finally put one in place last week.... for parties over 25. Party of 23? No masks required...

Like we should be having a party of 25 right now...

I am in that field right now and can testify that where I work is terribly, possibly criminally, understaffed right now. Fulfilling resident requests is not done through apathy, but through an inability to meet all the demands and needs of residents.

 

[JustGeorge]

FYI, just because you're safe from Covid doesn't mean you're safe. Japan's October suicide rate was higher than all their Covid deaths in general, for example. Globally, suicides, domestic violence, homicides and substance abuse are going through the roof but hardly anyone seems to notice or care enough to talk about it. It's making me sick and even more hateful towards this world. Nobody cares.

I get that.

I live in a city called Waterloo, which is a poor city with a high crime rate. Next to it is the city of Cedar Falls, which is a middle-upper class city, and relatively safe. I have personally been a victim of violent crime, and know many other people who have, too. If you complain about it, though, people just ask "why don't you move to Cedar Falls?" Great. So all the people that can't afford to live there don't matter, because all those that are 'worthwhile' just leave. The people that are stuck there? Not their problem.

Waterloo has a problem with gang violence, and I also hear from people that that's not their problem, either. But they sure complain when their houses get robbed or they get jumped walking home from work... Violence is everyone's problem, and its not going to go away until we start examining why people are committing these acts. Throwing someone in jail is just a band-aid fix(and when you remove the bandage, you find gangrene has probably set in).