With the holidays fast approaching, people across the state are trying to figure out how to celebrate in the face of record COVID-19 numbers. While large, in-person gatherings probably aren’t on the menu this year, I’m looking forward to seeing all of the creative ways Alaskans find to stay connected with their loved ones. Some of my favorite ideas included sending out homemade desserts to family members and hosting a Thanksgiving after-dinner get together online. Another friend is planning on hosting a holiday movie watch party online and is sending out drink recipes and snack ideas.
However you decide to celebrate this year I hope that you will make an extra effort to support local businesses when you’re looking for food and gift ideas (or any purchases for that matter). To get through what is expected to be a long winter, there are a lot of businesses that could use the support of their community. If you don’t need anything right now, think about maybe getting a gift card that you can look forward to using when things go back to normal.
It has never been more important for all of us to channel the holiday spirit and find ways to help each other. After this is all over and we look back on these trying times, I suspect it’s not going to be the hardships and discomfort that we remember most, but the kindness and community. Living in as harsh an environment as we do, Alaskans have always known the importance of helping others in their time of need. You never knew when you were going to be the one needing help yourself.
I look forward to seeing all of the ways that we, as Alaskans, come together over the next few months. From making the best of quarantine holidays to helping our friends and neighbors, I have a feeling that this year will be a holiday season to remember. Some last thoughts from all of here at the Alaska SBDC: fewer Thanksgiving guests mean more leftovers, any occasion is the right one for eggnog, and buying local is the holiday gift that keeps on giving!
Sincerely,
Jon Bittner
Alaska SBDC Executive Director