As America enters its ninth month into the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers are consistently increasing and going against the majority’s wish. As of November 14, 2020, the U.S. gained 184,00 cases, marking this its fourth day in a row for acquiring new infections. As big holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching and many are planning to return home, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) shared new holiday guidelines that Americans should follow for the most awaited times of the year.

However, I encourage people to strictly stay home and cancel plans with people from different households with the argument that lenient regulations have proved to not aid in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases in the US.

The reason I strongly believe in staying home during holiday seasons is because simply encouraging six-feet social distancing to U.S. residents turned out to not be the most effective method in preventing the virus from spreading. As the U.S. approaches its fourth week as the country leading with the greatest number of daily cases and the holiday season at the same time, a stronger and guaranteed method to stay safe should be put in order: staying home. Many people understand the necessity of sacrificing some fun for taking full precautions this year. Daniel Kong, a junior from Sunny Hills High School, revealed that his plan to stay home for Thanksgiving “will be a rather unique experience, but confident it’ll be a great Thanksgiving.”

Even though normal celebrations will not be possible, don’t get too upset as there are lots of fun ways to spend the anticipated holidays with people within your household.

Ryan Lee, another junior from Sunny Hills High School, expressed his disappointments for missing out on regular holiday festivities, saying “I feel that the normal holidays celebrations would be gone and that the holidays would seem a bit more bleak.” Though there should not be any extravagant parties this year, spending the merriest time of the year with no one other than the closest people in your life should be a great bonding experience for all involved.

Even though many Americans are getting tired of the COVID-19 restrictions, it is still extremely important to stay home for the holidays as it is the only way to guarantee that the pandemic will not get worse. It is the only way to end this quarantine era and reunite with our loved ones in the most safe and fun environment. So if you have already planned to attend a party this Thanksgiving, cancel it. Instead, take that time to make food at home for your husband, wife, children, or roommates. It will be a new, but worthwhile experience for everyone.

<Ellie Jeong / Sunny Hills HS 11th Grade>