Dec. 9, 2020—With the pandemic continuing into the winter, holidays will look quite different this year. CU Boulder experts are available to discuss Hanukkah celebrations, online shopping tips and ways to stay healthy this holiday season.Ìý
The Festival of LightsÌý
The celebration of Hanukkah begins Dec. 10. Samuel Boyd, a religious studies professor and scholar of biblical texts, can discuss historical issues related to the Festival of Lights.Ìý
A COVID Hanukkah
Samira Mehta, a professor of Jewish studies, studies modern ritual adaptations. She can discuss some fun ways families are adapting Hanukkah traditions in light of the pandemic.Ìý
Foods to improve immune healthÌý
Barbara Demmig-Adams, professor of distinction in ecology and evolutionary biology, studies how plant antioxidants are essential to the human body. She can speak about the science behind the foods a person should or should not eat to improve their immune health this holiday season. Interview availability is limited, advance notice required. Ìý
Online holiday shopping tips
As many people avoid stores this year, Donald Lichtenstein, a marketing professor at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, can give research-backed online shopping tips. Lichtenstein has published research showing online ratings may not be what they seem. He can also explain why online stores’ sales may not be as good as advertised, and why attorneys general generally can’t do much about deceptive advertisers.
Politics at the holiday dinner tableÌý
With the country still politically divided after a historically contentious election, Psychology Professor Leaf Van Boven can discuss whether, and how to talk about politics during the family gathering (whether it’s in person or remote). Van Boven’s research has shown repeatedly that Democrats and Republicans have more in common than they think they do.
Managing mental health issues
For many families, the holidays will look very different this year, without the large get-togethers they often bring. June Gruber, an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience, can discuss how to manage expectations and mental health struggles amid a holiday season in the middle of a pandemic.