Planning a virtual alternative to your holiday plans? Good plan. Distanced holidays are the best gift of health you can give to your loved ones and your community this year. We’ve asked people in our community how their holiday traditions will change for 2020 to give you inspiration for your upcoming celebrations.
First up, Julie Pryde, the Public Health Administrator for the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, who has been working hard to keep our community safe. Julie shares her holiday traditions and what she’s looking forward to this year.
“My favorite part of the winter holidays has always been cooking and having my family gather. My family has always celebrated on Christmas Eve, and then usually go to a movie or two on Christmas Day.”
When asked how these traditions will be adapted amidst the pandemic, Julie says, “We will be gathering virtually, through Zoom or Facetime. We can still talk, catch-up, see how my littlest relatives are growing, and share stories. I will continue the tradition started at Easter of delivering a full holiday meal, complete with wine, to older friends who are staying safe in their homes.”
She adds what she hopes to be a new tradition, “I hope to be able to Zoom with my littlest nieces and nephews as they see what Santa delivered.”
We all know the role food plays in our holiday celebrations, so we asked Julie about her favorite holiday dish. “My family & I like stuffed mushroom caps. These are usually eaten on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. They are just large button mushroom caps filled with spicy sausage, chopped stems and shredded cheese. Easy to make, but so good!”
We like anything easy to prepare, especially during these trying times.
Thanks, Julie, for helping to “Spread Cheer, Not COVID.”