Navigating the holiday season can be challenging, especially during a pandemic. There’s no place like home for the holidays, but experts across the country have recommended that staying home is the best and safest option. Though, that doesn’t make it sting any less. After months of isolation, economic anxiety, and pandemic fatigue, it’s completely understandable that people are yearning for hugs from family members. The reality is that hosting large holiday parties, traveling to see friends and family, and brushing off masks and social distancing can have serious consequences that extend far outside of your own circle. The good news – with some modifications, you can still make the most out of the “most wonderful time of the year.”
Check out the scenarios below. If they resonate with you, consider how you can adjust your plans to ensure you’re keeping yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe and healthy:
Indoor Holiday Celebrations
Try to celebrate only with those in your household. While this may be a smaller, more intimate holiday season, you can make the holidays special with the people in your home. If you live close to family, organize a meal exchange – each household can make and drop off a different dish with a quick, distanced hello outside the front door. If you’re miles apart from family, swap recipes ahead of time! To enjoy the experience of a communal meal, set up a Zoom meeting for dinner time.
Outdoor Holiday Celebrations
Outdoor celebrations can be safe if you take proper precautions. Keep the guest list small and have each household bring their own food rather than setting out a buffet. Swap out individual cups for individual drinks. Skip the hugs, kisses, and handshakes this year, and be sure to increase separation between guests when it’s time to eat. Remember that even outside, masking and social distancing are both needed.
Travel
With cases surging across the country, experts have recommended cancelling all unnecessary travel plans. Even if your community has low cases, that may not be the case for folks you’re sharing a flight with – or a dinner table. Try to focus on the positive! You won’t need to deal with long security lines, spend hours waiting on the tarmac, or worry about hotel cleanliness this year! Send presents in the mail ahead of time, then open them as a family via video call.
Friendly Holiday Parties
There are safe ways to form small in-person groups, but it takes advance planning. If members of your group aren’t comfortable getting together or don’t feel well, or if you can’t agree on your expectations about quarantining in advance, sharing cocktail recipes and resolutions during a Zoom call is a festive and safe way to welcome the new year. Order a sequined face mask or swap that loungewear you’ve work for most of 2020 for something sparkly.
Although we’re in a very difficult time, it presents a wonderful opportunity to be creative, put family and friends first, and celebrate the good things we have. It’s an act of love to keep your friends and families safe, for as long as it takes.
-Paulina Le
Health Fitness Specialist
Sources:
- https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2020/11/12/planning-your-holidays-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
- https://integrisok.com/resources/on-your-health/2020/november/the-holidays-during-the-covid19-pandemic