When Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious diseases expert, encouraged others to “bite the bullet” and cancel their Thanksgiving plans, many people were incensed. But if the past few months are any indication, many families were already planning to avoid traveling home for the holidays.
Unlike in past years, few people are planning holiday excursions. Though 53% of respondents said their holiday get-togethers would proceed as planned, almost half of them also said they had canceled theirs, according to a Morning Consult survey conducted last month. Online searches for “holiday travel” decreased by 43% from 2019, according to analytics company SEMrush. Searches for “Christmas travel” is down by 46%, and “Thanksgiving travel” is down by 38%. As a result, hotel prices have dropped for Thanksgiving weekend, and flight prices are still relatively low.
It is clear that many people are still worried about the spread of the coronavirus. And no wonder: Experts are warning that celebrating the holidays with family members could contribute to a surge in cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labeled holiday gatherings an “increasing threat right now.” As a result, 74% of respondents told Morning Consult that they would be having a smaller gathering than usual, and 75% said they are not planning on traveling for or around Thanksgiving and Christmas at all.
M. Kit Delgado, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, said we should treat the holidays as “an act of charity to our friends, family, and community” by forgoing normal celebrations. But should we? After months of separation, gathering with loved ones seems to be one of the best solutions available to the many people suffering from loneliness and anxiety — both of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Is it really right to deprive them of the connection they need during the time of year when they need it most?
No one’s situation is the same, and there are many families who cannot safely travel and visit due to the real risks this virus poses. But those who can do so safely — do we really want to tell them to stay home? We all need a bit of joy in our lives, and gathering for the holidays will hopefully provide just that.
