Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-20

Feature
Christmas 2020 Rejoicing Or COVID Bah Humbug?
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
As with most things in 2020, Christ- mas will be unique this year. The devas- tating COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every part of our lives. The ob- servance of Christmas is normally a time of renewal and rejoicing in the birth of Jesus as well as a time of gift- giving, reconnecting with family and friends, and children’s surprises. Par- ties, church services, shopping, and other activities took place with abandon in previous years. This year, we will strive to connect while keeping each other safe as COVID dictates our move- ments.
The Sentinel-Bulletin spoke to mem- bers of the community about what they are doing this year.
KRISTINA JAMES
“Every year we go to Mississippi to have a huge celebration with my hus- band’s family. He has 13 siblings, and his parents usually host an enormous Christmas party with a DJ, food, games, and all types of fun. With COVID, we had to alter our plans. We will still go to Mississippi for the celebration of
KRISTINA JAMES
Christmas, however we will be shelter- ing in place with my husband’s parents. They are older so we will enjoy their company for Christmas and shelter in place.”
ATTY. KIMBERLY PRICE
“This Christmas, I am rejoicing! We have a new president. I have been blessed to be able to get out every day and run errands for friends that are not as mobile. I am so grateful that with the pandemic, I have grown closer to my daughter and my community. Every
MARSHA LEWIS BROWN
ATTY. KIMBERLY PRICE
MARKETA WILLS, M.D.
in Tallahassee with my sister and her family. We will have a small family gath- ering, just the five of us. I am looking forward to seeing my niece and nephew. They are growing so fast that I don’t want to miss a minute!”
MARKETA WILLS, M.D.
“Dad and I will be laying low, count- ing our blessings, and enjoying a quiet Christmas at home. We will definitely make time to connect with relatives via phone and Zoom to further enjoy the special day!”
day, we have new reasons to praise Him. “We will be hosting a socially distant Christmas dinner with tables set six feet apart in our backyard. We will be invit- ing our core “family” that retired with us to Tampa. I miss in person fellowship with my church New Mount Zion Bap- tist, Church, but will be listening
avidly.”
MARSHA LEWIS BROWN
“Although I am looking forward to getting back to our Christmas tradi- tions, this year I am spending Christmas
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 3-A