Hearing really good advice at the right moment is powerful. Suddenly you've got the

energy, clarity, and momentum to take on a challenge. Each week, life kit gives listeners

insight into the world around them. Your contributions to NPR stations make this important

public service happen. At LifeKit, we're dedicated to helping people not just manage their

lives, but enrich their lives. Because we believe everyone needs a little help every now

and then, whether you're figuring out how to have a tough conversation with a friend,

or how to support your kids during a pandemic. If you've heard a LifeKit episode that's impacted

your life, your support will help keep the good advice coming. Go to donate.npr.org slash

life kit to get started with your donation. Again, that's donate.npr.org slash life kit. And thanks.

This is NPR's LifeKit. The holiday season is well underway, and with it, a fresh batch

of worries over the latest COVID-19 variant, Elmagron. Was that a giant collective sigh I

just heard? I know. After almost two years of pandemic life and last year's socially

distant New Year's parties, we're all tired of holding our breath and itching to share

some hot chocolate by the fire. The good news is, we've come a long way in last year.

And though there's still a lot unknown about the newest variant, there's still plenty we

can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. I'm Andy Tagle, one of the producers of

this show, and in this episode of LifeKit, NPR's Senior Science and Health correspondent,

Maria Godoy, is here to break down the latest COVID news and help you stay safe and

sane this winter. Maria, here we are. Again, I wish you were having

you back for happier reasons, but I'm glad to be talking to you all the same. How's your

holiday season treating you so far? You know, much better than 2020, I have to say.

Glad, I'm glad to hear it. Maria, the last time we talked, the world was starting to open

...