The balloons will still be on television, but the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade won’t be following its traditional route through New York City. It’s yet another impact of COVID as the Big Apple tries to preserve some traditions while minimizing the crowds and spread of the virus.
But the biggest impact of all will be that Santa won’t be available for visits in Macy’s flagship store – for the first time in 160 years. The company determined that St. Nicholas was a “high-touch, high-traffic” experience and that it wasn’t wise for a quarter of a million people to sit on Santa’s lap this year. Instead, they are offering “Santaland at Home” allowing children to do a remote visit with the Jolly Old Elf.
It’s not just Macy’s that is adapting holiday traditions this year. Many families did not “go over the river and through the woods” or won’t be sharing Christmas in person. Instead of lamenting the loss of time together and rituals that we know and love, keep the bigger picture in mind and focus on long-term health and happiness while creating new experiences for yourself.
May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving – even if it’s a turkey sandwich at home.
