연말연시 비대면 '홈리데이'로 즐겨요<br /><br />The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily life … and year-end gatherings are not an exception.<br />This year, people are not dining out, but instead staying home and sending their season's greetings online.<br />Our Min Suk-hyen reports.<br />The holiday season is looking quite different this year as the coronavirus continues to flare across the country.<br />And, like many others, a family here is sending their season's greetings online.<br />Almost all year-end gatherings have now been replaced with virtual face time talks.<br />Many South Koreans are spending time with just their immediate family, avoiding to hold big events where people usually get together for dinner or drinks.<br />This comes with new anti-virus measures already in place, which include banning in-person gatherings of five or more until January 3rd.<br />"Last year, I had a lot of dinner appointments with colleagues, and a couple of year-end parties with friends. But this year, none of this is happening. People just send messages, call or video call instead."<br />But the pandemic hasn't stopped people from getting into the holiday spirit.<br />Kim's family didn't miss stringing up lights on their Christmas tree and so have others.<br />According to South Korean retailers, sales of holiday ornaments rose in the past few weeks.<br />From November to December, sales of Christmas trees jumped more than a hundred percent compared to the same period last year.<br />Demand for table decorations such as candle holders and wine accessories have also been equally high as more people treat themselves to a nice meal at home.<br />Like many others who miss spending time with relatives, this little boy hopes to get together with his cousins again.<br />"I'm sad I couldn't meet my cousins. Once the coronavirus pandemic ends, I want to travel with them and go swimming."<br />Min Suk-hyen, Arirang News.<br />
