Chloe Reid - Reporter

Things to Look Forward to for the Rest of 2020

Snowy benches under snowy tress with fairy lights strung at night
Photo Courtesy of PixaBay

Chloe Reid

Reporter

With the seasons transitioning into winter once again, and quarantine lasting well into the colder months, this time of year can take a toll on the mental health of many. However, despite such circumstances, there’s still plenty of things to anticipate for the rest of the year. Here are some things to look forward to in the coming months of 2020:

Local Events:

  • Volunteer Work: 

Local businesses are in need of volunteer work this holiday season. Volunteering can statistically assist in increasing mental health, as well as reducing stress. In the midst of all the craziness this holiday season, community service is a great way to help the community, as well as helping yourself. Here are a few of the local businesses that could use your help in the coming months:

  • Idaho Food Bank: 

Visit https://idahofoodbank.volunteerhub.com/lp/pocatello/ for available dates on volunteering locally.

  • Home delivered meals:

Assist senior centers in delivering meals to homebound residents during COVID-19. Located at 825 E. Bridger Street, visit volunteermatch.org for more information.

  • Christmas Night Lights Parade:

Hosted by the ISU Credit Union, the Christmas Night Lights Parade will be hosted from 6-8 pm on Friday, Nov. 27th, in Old Town Pocatello. Starting at the Center Street Underpass, the parade will travel from the East to the West side of Old Town. This year will be a bit different, with the parade being a drive-thru based event, with floats parked on either side of the road for guests to enjoy as they drive by.

Holidays:

  • Thanksgiving: 

The closest of holidays is less than a month away. There’s no better day of the year to enjoy pumpkin pie, stuffing and other traditional favorites while being close to those you love. 

  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:

Thanksgiving Day also comes with the classic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cherished by millions of people for decades. Despite many worries about the parade due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the parade has altered certain things to allow it to continue this coming holiday season. It will still be hosted from 7-10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day for everyone to enjoy.

  • Christmas/Other holidays: Regardless of the cold weather being a downside for many, the icy temperatures ensure the coziest of holidays are right around the corner. Even with COVID-19, enjoying hot cocoa while watching the snowfall, driving around & looking at lights with loved ones and watching classic movies such as “Frosty”, “The Polar Express” and more, still remain a classic and fun way to celebrate the holiday season with others. 

Movies:

  • Soul (PG):

Releasing Dec. 25, Disney Pixar’s “Soul” is about a man named Joe, voiced by Jamie Foxx. Joe is striving to reach his life dream, and right when he thinks it’s’ finally attainable, he’s sent into a whimsical world, where he is forced to begin to think of the true meaning of having a soul. There, Joe meets up with another soul, 22, who doesn’t think life on Earth is as good as everyone says it is. A wholesome family movie from the same studio as “UP”, “Inside Out” and more. “Soul” will be a wholesome addition to Disney+ streaming this holiday season.

  • Freaky (R):

Releasing Friday, Nov. 13, “Freaky” is a dark spin-off of the classic movie “Freaky Friday”. Teenager Millie finds herself accidentally swapping bodies with The Butcher, a local serial killer that’s been plaguing the town. Millie finds she only has 24 hours to switch back bodies before she’ll be trapped in the middle-aged maniac forever.

Music:

  • Shawn Mendes’, “Wonder”:

The popular singer/songwriter has announced the release date for his fourth studio album “Wonder”. The album will be released on Dec. 14.

  • AC/DC, “Power Up”:

The 17th studio album of the popular Australian rock band, AC/DC’s new album “Power Up” is set to release on Nov. 13. This album marks the return of 3 members who had left AC/DC during various times in the past, as well as being a tribute to the late guitarist, Malcolm Young.  

Online Black Friday Sales:

  • Despite many stores canceling the traditional Black Friday events, most stores are now participating in online versions of sales, either allowing you to ship your purchases to home or receiving them via pick up. Many are also hosting such sales early this year, giving you plenty of time to shop. In all the stress of 2020, being able to shop the anticipated Black Friday sales from the comfort of your own home can seem like pure bliss.