Staying Apart, Together: A Christmas tree metaphor for pandemic life
When my husband and I moved in together while we were still dating, we bought a very cheap fake Christmas tree.
We both knew that this was temporary, that one day we'd get married and either get a really nice fake tree or a real one, and invite others over for holidays instead of always traveling back to our parents' houses. After last Christmas, our first as a married couple, we tossed that needle shedding, barely 6-foot-tall Target purchase. In 2020, we thought, we'd get a real tree.
Our plans changed, like so much else this year, because of the pandemic. Unable to get a real tree nearby without more face to face contact with strangers than we're comfortable with (or spending a lot for delivery), this year we borrowed an old fake tree from my parents' basement.
In the best scenario, this year has been one of compromises just like this: temporary, not what we planned, but acceptable. I look at that tree, slightly underdressed and a little too big for its corner, and I think about how we can wait just one more year for the Christmases we were planning.
If a borrowed tree and a quiet Christmas are my only problems this December, I'll count myself exceedingly lucky.
Today's outer space awesomeness
Worlds will align this winter solstice. No, I'm not exaggerating.
Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer to one another on Dec. 21 than they have in hundreds of years. If you can gaze into the southwestern horizon at the right time, the two gas giants will look like neighboring points of light. Almost a "double planet," says Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan.
“You’d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.”
So how can you view it? And why are we talking about it weeks in advance? Scientists encourage stargazers around the world to start looking now. "Over the next couple of weeks you can watch them move, which is super cool," Hartigan says, adding that identifying them now will make it easier on the big day.
On Dec. 21, weather permitting, the conjunction will be observable anywhere on Earth, although more difficult to see in high northern latitudes. You won't need a telescope, but you'll have to find a good viewing spot and be on time. Avoid tall buildings or mountains, and look toward the low, southwestern horizon right after sunset.
Read more about the conjunction here. And if you need me, I'll be staring at the sky.
Today's behind-the-scenes look: Interviewing John Boyega
As you know, I work with the Paste BN Life and Travel team, and we regularly interview celebrities. How do we do that during a pandemic, you ask? Just like you, with video chats and a lot of hard work.
My colleague Rasha Ali had a really amazing chat with "Star Wars" star John Boyega in October, and I wanted to share both her really well-written story and how the interview came together.
Rasha spoke with John about his participation in Black Lives Matter protests and his role in Amazon's "Small Axe," a collection of films by director Steve McQueen.
"Maybe it's the time, maybe it's the way I was brought up, I just don't know. I just feel like let's not all pretend as if we're not humans out here, like we all don't take a (expletive). Let's just be real; there's no need for this weird kind of fake relation to each other. If anyone was in my position, there would be something negative and positive to say," Boyega says. "I'm comfortable with supporting what I support out loud and sometimes, it's just a good thing to do in the moment; it seems right, there seems a sense of responsibility."
Laughing, he adds: "And honestly because I'm just like that, innit?" Boyega said what he said. And he's not afraid of saying it louder for those in the back either.
Read the full story here, it's really worth it.
Here's how John looked during his interview and how Rasha got set up. And he responded to her tweet, so they're best friends forever now.
Today's reads
- Huge, "seismic" news yesterday in our Movies section: Because of the pandemic, Warner Bros. is releasing all of its 2021 films on HBO Max at the same time as in cinemas. Bryan Alexander and Patrick Ryan talked to industry experts about what this means for movie theaters.
- A cool story from our Paste BN Network site The Record in New Jersey: More Americans are craving the vibrant tastes of Pan-African cuisine.
- Some tips on how to naturally incorporate more tactile, lived-in learning into your kids' virtual education routines. Not another item for the to-do list, just fun ways to learn that aren't in front of a screen.
- Listen, what the heck is going on with those monoliths?!?!? Our friends at Reviewed.com highlight 20 Black-owned businesses that have great holiday gifts to shop.
Today's pet
In a Staying Apart, Together first, I present: Pet chickens!
Meet "two new ridiculously adorable fluffy bundles of joy, Lady & Nutmeg," says Robert Arends of San Diego, California. "They’re silkie chickens, and just as fun and affectionate as cats or dogs. In fact, they follow me around when I’m doing yard work and jump on my lap when I'm lounging on the patio. They’ve brought me such joy, and I’m particularly sweet on Nutmeg. She talks to me each morning, saying “Bup, bup, bup, bahhhh!” (the first three sounds are low and the last one is just a smidge higher). I learned it’s chicken-speak for 'I know you and like you. You’re part of my flock.' So sweet! They’re definitely family now."
That's it for this Saturday, my friends. Stay safe, stay well, and I'll be back in your inboxes on Tuesday. If you so desire you can send pet pics, TV recommendation requests, coping tips and any other thoughts to stayingaparttogether@usatoday.com. I'm always ready to listen.
All my very best,
Kelly Lawler