HALIFAX With gathering limits in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout Atlantic Canada, the 2020 holiday season was a quiet one for Maritimers, with New Year s Eve expected to be much the same. Despite the lack of family functions and get-togethers with friends and loved ones, many people say the sacrifice is worth it. Nova Scotia resident Bruce Stuart is accustomed to large family gatherings over the holidays; however, his tradition has been halted in 2020 and featured a much smaller assembly. It was quiet, says Stuart. But quiet is not a bad thing in a busy world. Stuart says adhering to Public Health guidelines is the right thing to do and adds he s proud that people have been following the rules.