During the course of the pandemic, contact tracers have gathered some extremely valuable information about where and how COVID-19 spreads. Reporter Julia Ries spoke with tracers and other experts to get an idea of the places where the virus is most commonly popping up. Take a look and see if the spots you frequent are on the list.

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For some of you, this information might mean adjusting your holiday plans if you haven't already. This sucks. I am totally there with you. I've cried multiple times just in the last few days over the fact that I won't get to see my family. In a year where we've already been robbed of so much, this season feels extra cruel. But we'll be glad we stayed safe, especially with the vaccine in sight.

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Speaking of which, keep scrolling for more COVID vaccine info. We've also got some more great mental health advice from one of my favorite Peloton fitness instructors.

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But before we dive into it, a little programming note: We'll be taking a holiday break from this newsletter until January 4. I'll see you in 2021! Until then, wear your mask, wash your hands and be well.

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❤️,

Lindsay

You Oughta Know

What will life be like once we all get the coronavirus vaccine? Will we still have to wear face coverings after getting the shots or can we head out into the world bare faced? Reporter Jillian Wilson talked with experts about what to expect with the pandemic safety measure in the future.

WILL WE STILL HAVE TO WEAR MASKS?

A Minute And Change

Got a spare minute? Use it to change your life. Our "A Minute And Change" series will help you become happier, healthier and more productive by doing one thing a little differently. This week's tip comes from Kendall Toole, a mental health advocate and Peloton instructor, on her advice for getting through the holidays this year. She told me:

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This holiday season, success and joy must come from the removal of expectation and the effort to simply get through and allow some deep healing and presence. You DON'T need to deck the halls like years previous, you DON'T need to be the most epic host (of even a virtual event), and you DON'T need to show up in the world as you have before. This year is unlike any other and that's OK. What you CAN do is check in on your friends, volunteer your time (safely and in accordance with CDC recommendations in your area) to give back to others and thus help light up yourself. Allow yourself time to honor whatever emotions or struggles come your way. Partaking in small virtual events, planned FaceTime check-ins with loved ones near or far can significantly diminish that justifiable feeling of loneliness that many people are experiencing.

Crushing On This 'Gram

Before You Go...

A lot of the holiday "magic" we experience is thanks to labor performed by women of the household. Read this story by reporter Gemma Hartley on how the pandemic makes this fact even more clear and how to make to-do lists around this time of year more equitable.

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