With COVID-19 maintaining its hold as the year draws to a close, it almost seems quaint how some once hoped the pandemic would subside by Easter. But as cases and death counts continued to rise, holiday and festival celebrations further into the year tumbled like dominos: the Tucson Festival of Books, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, the All Souls Procession, and even the downtown Parade of Lights, the Oro Valley Holiday Drive-thru and Winterhaven Festival of Lights all cancelled.
Beyond public events, health departments even advised against large indoor gatherings during the winter holidays. For many, it’s an isolating end to an already difficult year. But for others, it’s an opportunity to find a way to stay safe – and salvage the holidays.