As 2022 began, it was a typical occurrence for school-age kids to make sure they had extra masks in their backpacks. Schools implemented COVID-safety rules that challenged students' tolerance - the biggest difference was the lack of social opportunities kids had in school and out of school with their friends.
Most events required proof of vaccination and masks were mandatory for admittance - concerts, theatres, sporting events just to name a few - there were more security measures in place that we didn't even think about pre-COVID. We got used to carrying around vaccination cards and masks. Everyone had different comfort zones about social distancing. People who didn't believe in getting vaccinated were ready to give you all of their reasons for their beliefs, and the Pandemic became another reason for us all not to get along.
For clubs and organizations like ours that were primarily social in nature had a difficult time adapting. Seeing each other face-to-face became something of the past, which is hard for a group like ours, since our primary focus is to offer support and friendships to other parents of multiples.
One of our most popular events was always our Tag Sales (one in the fall, one in the spring), which was more like a one-day store for anyone that had kids. This was an event that relied on a large number of volunteers, and as a Committee member, I spent several Saturdays both working and shopping the Tag Sales. The pandemic put an end to this much-loved tradition. Aside from being a social event, it was an opportunity to sell and buy clothes, toys, books or other child-related items.
Although most of us will look back on the "pandemic years" in a mostly negative light, there were some things that came out of social distancing that have made our lives easier. I have noticed more packages being delivered by Amazon, Etsy, and other online stores. It seems like just about every retailer out there has delivery. Websites have made it easier for customers to purchase items online without ever leaving your home. More grocery stores and restaurants offer delivery and pickup options. I personally love services like Instacart and Door Dash. The hours I used to spend in the grocery stores, I can now spend more time with my twins. I don't mind paying a service charge, because local businesses are still being supported. I really wish these services were available when my twins were infants and toddlers, because it was such a production just to take them to the store in the double stroller.
While our American hearts pray for our friends in the Ukraine, reports on the COVID front seem to be improving. Does this mean we may be able to bring back some of our social activities in the next year or so? I definitely hope so. I have noticed some businesses have relaxed their mask-wearing rules. This week, the schools in Southborough have made masks optional. It was reported that about 35% of the students choose to wear them, but the teachers I spoke to have said how much they have enjoyed seeing their students' faces after having mandatory masks since 2020.