The holidays for many this year have been marked by smaller celebrations, as well as virtual gatherings of family and friends.
“We just did close family, the people we see every day” Rachel Shipman, of South Deerfield, said to describe her holiday celebrations.
Smaller gatherings this year are in recognition of guidance from local and state officials, who have urged residents to stay home as part of the effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Any other year, Shipman said, she would have incorporated more friends and family into the festivities.
“Hopefully next year,” she said.
Henry “Hank” Horstman, of Conway, said although his Christmas celebrations are never too large, the COVID-19 pandemic meant he missed out on the Christmas Eve party he’s attended for the last 10 years.
“I picked up my phone book … and I made a lot of phone calls to friends,” he said.
And on Christmas Day, he visited his son’s family.
“It was no big fandangle,” he said.
Greenfield resident Karen Gaudette said she spent Christmas with her fiance and his children.
“They’re my pod,” she said. “After the meal, we Zoomed with family and everybody opened their Secret Santa gifts.”
This year, instead of giving gifts, each person donated on behalf of someone else to a food bank or charity, she said.
“I think everybody realizes, with everything going on, we should be grateful for what we have,” Gaudette said.
Jerry Ann Jacobs, who was in Greenfield from Brattleboro, Vt., on Saturday afternoon, said she and her wife don’t typically do much for the holidays. Still, this year was particularly quiet for them.
“We’re seeing a lot fewer friends,” she said, noting that Zoom has been a way to stay connected. “But that’s been true for the last nine months.”
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne