Unmasking the Holiday Spirit
Unmasking the Holiday Spirit
Local reflections on a pandemic-filled holiday season - Ellicottville style
It’s a great time of year to see our streets in the Village. The holiday lights are up, the Ski Tree is glowing, snow guns have finally started to fire and skiing is back in our resort town.
But this year is certainly different. The holidays are here, but the Pandemic of 2020 has taken away some of the sparkle. Lives have been lost across our region, businesses hurt, popular events cancelled. It has been a challenging, dumpster fire of a year.
There is so much to be said for being able to read expressions on faces, especially this time of year. The smiles, laughs and joy on faces around our area, hidden. COVID-19 has forced masks upon all of us, leaving us wondering what the face covering cloaks.
We could take you for a continued walk down this misery lane, but we decided to try something a little different. We took time out to ask some of our residents and business owners how they’re managing this holiday season for themselves and others. The masks may hide the expressions we’ve come to know, but one thing the masks can’t do, is stop words.
Clara Kosinski, Great Valley: “Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, always something magical about the season. It brings me back to the endless times at my grandma’s, sneaking ribbon candy and popcorn with my cousins. Being with family was always what made it feel so special. Normally we would be driving to all the grandparents’ to spend time visiting and opening presents, but this year we are keeping it low key. Spending it with just my husband and son, we will probably FaceTime family members that we can and call those we can't. We have tried to look at the bright side, and make memories where we can.”
Cathleen Pritchard, ERA Team VP real estate agent: “This town has a Currier and Ives feel to it. I walk just to look at the beautiful windows at least three times a week; it delivers the holiday spirit I need.”
Tui Osbourne, musician, Ellicottville: “We can’t gather together so that’s tough, but music … I’ve done some virtual music and I’m going to try and do one (virtual concert) around Christmas just to connect with family.”
Lynn Timon, manager of Alexandra Gift Shop: “I practice gratitude. I count my blessings of which there are far more of than anything troublesome, and I’ve had my share.“
Joan Ess, owner of Alexandra Gift Shop: “Our customers make us happy. We have lovely people here, we have a lot of artists, and it makes me happy that the artists are working now and making things.”
Jen Miller, Ellicottville: “For us, the holidays are always for spending time with family and enjoying outdoor activities in Ellicottville. Christmas Day skiing at Holiday Valley is a favorite. We plan to do the same thing this year, just with a few added precautions!”
Jessie Osbourne, Ellicottville: “We go and visit all of our local bartenders here, following all the rules … go get a milk punch from West Rose, it tastes like Christmas in a cup!”
COVID-19 may be the Grinch, Scrooge and Bad Santa all rolled into one, and as we protect ourselves and our loved ones, we heard from our residents that restrictions and masks are a necessary evil. BUT it won’t hide their warmth, caring and holiday spirit.
Even if it’s under a mask.
