THE BUZZ This week’s question: What is your favorite holiday (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) tradition and how do you plan to celebrate amid coronavirus restrictions?
The Buzz is a weekly question on an issue affecting the residents of Hampton Roads.
Christmas was my most favored holiday celebration (the home decorations, the anticipation seen on the faces of our youngest friends, and the gathering of family and friends in a festive and religious experience). The curtailed religious celebration due to COVID-19 (reduced size of church gatherings, fear of large gatherings) has truly dampened my celebration, as it should.
Ross Kearney, Hampton
Hanukkah! I’m not Jewish but myawesome next-door neighbor leaves the most delectable care packages on my porch, brimming with homemade latkes, brisket, schnitzel, kugel, rugelach, Hanukkah gelt and more. Lighting the menorah candles at my significant other’s home is also a reflective ritual that I look forward to each evening. Finally, blue and white are such pretty colors.
Susan Reilly, Virginia Beach
Our favorite tradition is Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately we will not be able to celebrate it this year as safety will have to take precedence.
Talbot N. Vivian, DHA, Yorktown
My favorite holiday tradition is making Christmas cookies and then eating a few. This year my wife and I have been baking Christmas cookies and traditional Christmas breads which we shared with friends and neighbors. Because of the virus we will be having Christmas dinner without friends or family.
Paul Ruffle, Williamsburg
To celebrate Christmas this year, I’m in a quandary. Thanksgiving was not even close to the indoor gatherings of 25. But 10 as the limit, suggested by the governor, I do not know what to do.
Robert Neely, Newport News
Meeting with family, having a meal, exchanging gifts with pre-drawn names, and saying thanks.
Michael Brewer, Hampton
Our favorite tradition is to thank God that Jesus was not a segregationist, Christianity being for all kinds of people in all walks of life in all lands. Our celebration will be about the same. We will eat and drink too much of the usual with a few neighbors.
Joseph L. Bass, Suffolk
My favorite holiday tradition is taking down all the Christmas decorations, storing them in boxes and returning the boxes to the attic, signaling the conclusion of my least-favorite time of year.
Michael Holloway, York County
Next week’s question: What is your New Year’s wish or resolution for your community or Hampton Roads in general?
Want to participate in The Buzz? Email letters@pilotonline.com to respond to this week’s question, propose a question or to join The Buzz mailing list. Include your first and last name and city of residence. Responses should be no more than 50 words and must be received by Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. Answers may be edited.