EDITOR’S LETTER

Perhaps I’ll have a clearer head about the holidays after the turmoil of the Nov. 3 election is over, although I’m concerned that drama will follow if there’s not a decisive victory by either candidate. I’m hopeful that won’t be the case after so many people turned out to vote early, even if it meant risking their health to stand in line for 12 hours to do so.

I spent last Thanksgiving with my best friend and her large family crowded around one of three dinner tables set up to accommodate relatives who had flown in from out of state. With that off the table, maybe a double cheeseburger plate from Waffle House will suffice.

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PEGGY

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

Last Christmas was dinner and seeing “Knives Out” in a crowded cinema with friends. Luckily, I’ve got a stack of books to read and endless shows and programs to stream at home. To be honest, even when my parents and grandparents were alive, the holidays were often fraught with dysfunction due to the competing personalities of my family. And, since I’m being really honest, I’ve always chaffed at the obligation dictated by society to “doing something” for the holidays, when I’d rather be on the sofa binge-watching “The Crown.”

This year, I might get my wish. So why am I not happy about it?

While I do enjoy my alone time, I’m far from being antisocial. Since my interactions with friends, colleagues, and extended family has been limited to phone and Zoom for the past nine months I am craving some social interaction. I do miss going to long, leisurely dinners, going to the movies, crate-diving for vinyl at Wax n’ Facts and Wuxtry, and perusing books at Charis and A Cappella. I would love to be doing all those things this season, but I’m also a proponent of social-distancing, wearing masks, and listening to scientists instead of politicians and businessmen after my bout with COVID-19 in the spring,

As we were putting together the November issue, I was heartened to see that many of Intown’s arts and culture organizations are still planning to entertain us over the holidays –both virtually and live. You can see that roundup on page 32.

If the idea of cooking at home sends you into a depression spiral, some restaurants –including Waffle House – are offering takeout and socially-distanced seating in their dining rooms. We put together a list on page 31 and be sure to check with your favorite eatery to see what they’re cooking up for Turkey Day.

So, yes, there are things happening for the holidays if things are what you want to do, but I urge everyone to do so safely and think not only of your own health, but of those around you. If we’re going to get beyond the pandemic, we need to work together and treat each other with more dignity and respect and not allow craven politics and conspiracy theories to divide us in this time of uncertainty.

Keep well, no matter how you choose to spend the holidays.