Urban Safari: Covid Christmas 2021

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Things were looking up for a while regarding the pandemic, then a variant emerged and broadsided:

• no one who was paying attention, and
• everyone who refused to acknowledge it was coming.

We wound things down early in December this year (no gift guides, no new gear reviews, etc) so everyone could chill, rest up, and refuel for 2022. 

Fortunately, Omicron is not as deadly as the previous versions, but it spreads like wildfire.

Those who are vaccinated can still get Omicron, but:

• they don’t get as sick, and
• hospitalization is typically not required.

The unvaccinated infected by this variant:

• may get as sick with this as with other variants,
• are keeping this pandemic going, and
• are straining the healthcare system once again.

All of this meant yet another “quiet” holiday season in Boston.

Normally, downtown during the Holidays would be teeming with tourists, shoppers, and revelers celebrating the arrival of the New Year. This year, while not completely deserted, downtown was pretty empty.

To celebrate the coming of 2022, we decided on a night out for everyone at a local hotel in Boston. We weren’t sure it was going to happen COVID-wise, but decided it was worth the risk; if it was canceled at the last minute because of an unanticipated surge in infections, we were only an MBTA train ride back to the office.

As expected, we had no problems booking rooms or making dining reservations at the last minute. 

Everyone we encountered were masked, most of the interactions were touch-free, and we basically had the run of the Loews Boston hotel…great for us. We felt sympathy for all the hospitality workers, but they all seemed genuinely happy to see us and treated us really really well. 

Local merchants, restaurant owners, and all those whom they employ are continuing to feel the effects of the pandemic. It’s hassle to get on a plane right now, but readers can enjoy themselves pretty much right where they are. A splurge at a local hotel can really lift your (vaxxed and masked) spirits.

Let’s continue to live our lives safely, deliberately, and support each other so we can all celebrate 2022!