With the holiday season in full swing, we have loved seeing so many pictures of people gathering with loved ones through Thanksgiving and Chanukah. For many, it has been two years since they have experienced gatherings such as these, since COVID vaccines were not available at this time last year during the pandemic.We are far from in the clear with COVID, of course. Delta is still raging and Omicron, the newest “variant of concern,” appears to be spreading just in time to threaten end of year festivities. We should continue to be mindful of the spaces we choose to inhabit, mask up in crowded indoor spaces, practice good hygiene, and stay home when we are sick. Anyone who has not already, should get a booster shot, as well.And yet, with all those caveats (and with an admitted mild sense of unease after such a long time without them), we cannot wait to experience end of year gatherings this month. Holiday office parties, New Year’s celebrations, and more, it has been far too long since we have gotten to enjoy these simple pleasures of life.It has been a trying two years for all of us, but we have come a long way this year. While there is surely much more to be done, think about where we were in January 2021 compared to now. It is something worth toasting to, for sure.Take comfort in knowing Livingston is one of the most vaccinated towns in one of the most vaccinated states in the country. There is a level of protection in this community that does not exist in many other parts of New Jersey, or in the United States.That alone will not completely protect us from COVID; unfortunately, vaccine effectiveness tends to wane over time (so get a booster!). And while they remain adept at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death, these highly contagious variants have led to an increase in cases among the vaccinated. Still, being vaccinated, and being around others who are vaccinated, should add some layer of security as we enjoy our holidays.Hopefully, we have endured the worst that COVID has to throw at us, but this pandemic is clearly far from over; it will be with us for some time. Now, especially as younger and younger children can get vaccinated, we must figure out how we can most comfortably continue on with our lives. Enjoy a night out ...
