Plans have been subject to change since the beginning of 2020. As COVID-19 transmissions continue to spread, American households may be looking for safer ways to partake in the upcoming holidays. Usually a time of closeness and celebration, the impending holiday season may look a little different this year, though we don't have to abandon those themes altogether.
What to think about before making any holiday plans, according to the CDC:
Community levels of COVID-19.
Possible exposure during traveling.
Location and duration of the gathering.
Number of people.
Behaviors prior to and during the gathering.
It is important to factor these elements into any decision-making as to create the least risk possible for you and your loved ones. If you decide to hold an in-person celebration with family and friends outside of your household, you should do your best to follow local and federal guidelines. It is important to note that your household is defined as those that live in the same home as you. Here are some recommendations for hosting in-person gatherings:
Decrease the total number of people.
Ensure that anticipated guests are following local and federal guidelines prior to the event.
Ensure guests are 6 feet away from those not in their household.
Hold the gathering outdoors - or if weather prevents that, increase ventilation and decrease crowding.
Require that masks are worn when not eating or drinking. This includes during any food preparation or set-up.
Avoid potluck-style meals and opt for bring-your-own meals.
Limit exposure to high-contact surfaces such as garbage/recycling bins and serving utensils. Provide a touchless garbage or recycling bin. If having a potluck, have one or two people serve food so that others aren't touching the serving utensils.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and any dinnerware, and remove and wash linens.
Ensure guests that are feeling ill or those at higher-risk of contracting COVID-19 celebrate from home.
A Virtual Holiday
There are several ways to connect virtually over the holidays with loved ones. You may video chat with family members and carry out your annual traditions as best as possible given the circumstances.
Another option if your relatives live nearby would be to create a potluck-style sign-up sheet on a platform such as Google Sheets. You and your family members can share recipes, plan a meal, and collaborate to determine what needs to be purchased or prepared. Everyone signs up to make one or two things and portions out servings. The day of your planned celebration, you drop off your prepared food at the door and later everyone shares their meal virtually. By utilizing contactless delivery, we can still share homemade dishes and a warm smile.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude has been associated with improved resilience and a more positive outlook on life. Connecticut Children's has came up with a great list of activities for all ages choosing to practice gratitude this holiday season:
Start a gratitude journal. Be specific when noting what you're thankful for. Young children can draw pictures, or older children and caretakers can help them to write.
Have each member of the family contribute to a gratitude paper-chain. Place in somewhere in the house, and every time someone walks by it, they have to pause and write something they are grateful for. The chain can be deconstructed and read aloud over the holidays.
Write or draw cards for those family members and friends you're missing this holiday season.
Call loved ones and friends and tell them why you appreciate them.
Send care packages. Connecticut Children's proposed a virtual care package, where you send pictures and short videos to make someone smile.
Decorate your windows or yard with signs of appreciation.
Paint or write kind words or phrases on rocks. After celebrating with your holiday meal, take a walk and place the rocks on the trail for a special surprise for others.
Additional Creative Alternatives
Ask yourself, "What matters the most during the holidays?" Although we may have to get creative, most of our beloved traditions can be altered in order to more safely celebrate this season. 2020 has also given us the gift of opportunities to break traditions. Perhaps you never liked your family's tradition of going caroling, or really despise cooking big meals. This holiday season, you have a unique opportunity to tailor your celebration to meet your needs. You can still get into the holiday spirit in other ways:
Decorate in a festive theme and light a holiday scented candle.
Instead of a large family meal, cook a hearty breakfast with those in your household and then enjoy while watching the Macy's Day Parade, the National Dog Show, or a holiday movie.
Create holiday-themed crafts that everyone in your household can make.
Order food from local restaurants. If you're celebrating far from home this year, get your favorite items from home delivered, such as cookies from the bakery by your parents' home.
Find volunteer opportunities that are COVID-19-friendly.
Spend some time outdoors (weather permitting) exploring nature or looking at local decorations.
A few additional blog posts that offer creative ways to celebrate this holiday season:
No matter how you celebrate the upcoming holidays, it is important to remember that ensuring the safety of others is an act of love and compassion. This year has looked very different, and everyone deserves patience and kindness as we collectively navigate through these unusual times.
Stay safe, and happy holidays.
Brought to you by Jackie Lenz, Realtor & CEO of Locality Real Estate, Inc. & Morgan Roy
CA DRE Lic # 02130499
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