My family seems to be in agreement with calling off the holidays. My parents are pretty reasonable with taking COVID seriously, but I’d worried they approach the holidays as “yes pandemic, but...” When I talked to them two weeks ago they offered up that a gathering was unlikely. Which is good! They’re 73 and don’t need the exposure risk.
Ugh. I wish my mom could see outside of our family situation enough to realize that we should cancel our holidays. My brother has already cancelled his Christmas trip. As of right now I am still traveling to meet them next week. My family situation right now a great case example of a situation where the public guidance directly contradicts the private family’s desires; with a dying grandmother you can understand why everyone feels there are very poignant compelling reasons to gather, however it’s also very clear that this is exactly what they’re saying people shouldn’t do. I will not be surprised if things get worse by next week and travel bans begin to go up. I don’t know. I am retaining my right to reconsider my decision at any point in time up until I leave. I know how much it will mean to my mother if I am there. She needs all the support she can get right now. I have a lot of misgivings.
Fortunately, my sister is a well-respected expert in elder care and dealing with various types of dementia, and she lives with my parents (74 and 84). So their household is VERY strong and diligent about COVID mitigation. I just wish they didn't have to be.