The year 2020 is coming to an end – a year of forced change, unwanted adjustments and re-learning many different aspects of our lives. Americans know how to work hard and we also know how to play hard. In fact, one of the most difficult aspects of the global pandemic has been our inability to do whatever we can afford to do, whenever we want to do it. One of the upsides of the inability to travel and spend money has been that many families who were blessed to stay employed have experienced significant adjustments to their leisure spending. These reduced expenditures have created an opportunity for us to view these unfortunate lifestyle changes as a chance to beef up our retirement savings.
To mitigate COVID in the winter months, there will likely be calls for another economic shutdown. However, a second shutdown could be catastrophic for our economy and thus, should be avoided at almost all cost.
Listening to violin music always makes me think about my dad who was a talented violinist and luthier – a maker of violins. As I wrote this month’s feature about Flint Symphony Orchestra violinist, Alesia Byrd Johnson, I thought of him.
With COVID-19 showing no signs of letting up any time soon, my family was recently overcome with cabin fever. Our toddler stoutly refuses a mask, a gaiter, bandana or face covering of any kind, (heck, he won’t even wear a hat), so our options for a getaway were pretty limited. No air travel, since our little guy won’t comply with a mask mandate, no flight to Europe in any case (since Americans aren’t exactly welcome) and a long drive wasn’t happening (toddler, as I mentioned) … so, what were we to do?
Both a holiday treat and staple Christmas decoration, the candy cane is synonymous with falling snow, colorful lights, beaming kids and good, ol’ fashioned yuletide cheer. The candy cane is the No. 1 selling non-chocolate candy during the month of the December (and has been since it began being mass produced in the 1950s) with 90 percent of annual sales made between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Appetizer boards have become incredibly popular! This delicious concept combines fruits, vegetables, crackers, nuts, cheese and the focus on cold, cured meats brings the French term charcuterie to the table. Often arranged on a wooden board, the variety of foods can also be attractively served on vintage dishes, small plates or a rotating plate. A charcuterie spread can be prepared for one or two people, or a crowd.
There are movies about Christmas that embody high, holy ideals – peace, joy, fellowship, generosity – expressed through familiar images of the manger in Bethlehem or even Santa Claus coming down from the North Pole.
There is a group, made up of people from around the world, that exists for one purpose: spreading kindness.
The recovery in air travel following the COVID-19 shutdowns has stalled and remains at about 40% of 2020 levels. Corporations such as General Motors have extended work-from-home until at least 2021 and could likely extend it after that until the coronavirus vaccine is widely distributed, namely until the second-half of 2021. Working from home likely curtails business travel, as well. While it is just over 10% of air travel, business travel represents about 75% of airline revenue. Business travelers are more likely to book expensive, premium seating in the first class cabin. The cost of a first class ticket is at least double that of an economy class ticket for domestic travel and can be ten times as expensive for international travel. Since this class of service does not represent a proportional increase in airline costs, these higher prices represent a significant proportion of airline profits. Business travelers are also less price sensitive than vacationers, since they have less flexibility when or where they travel to and are not paying the cost of travel out of their own pockets.
I have been sitting back, reflecting on what the month of November means to me and what I am grateful for in this crazy year. Gone are the sunny days of summer, the outdoor barbecues, the golf games and the rich hue of autumn leaves. The air is brisk and those clouds forming in the sky just might mean snow … oh, no! It’s time to get snow tires!
If timing had been better, I would be writing about the new Adam Sandler Netflix movie, “Hubie Halloween,” which released in early October. Even now, post-Halloween, if you haven’t yet watched it, please do so and enjoy some laughs that are much needed this year.
Typically, we’d be traveling this time of year. Autumn is a favorite time of year for us to pack some coats and gloves, get out of town and go on an adventure. The weather in Texas is mostly the same in October as it is in August, so a trip to a locale with some fallen leaves, cooler temperatures and an excuse to put a chunky sweater to use is always welcome.
