The holiday season is right around the corner, bringing hope to those thoroughly disappointed by the myriad of canceled events, prolonged periods of time in isolation and lack of social interaction 2020 has brought. For many, the holiday season is a time to get together with loved ones, reconnect with friends and take a break from the usual fast-paced routine of daily life. However, it is important to keep in mind that things this year might be a little different. Here are some tips to make your holiday break as COVID-19 safe and carefree as possible.
Go virtual
Everyone wants a “normal holiday.” There is no denying that. As Zoom sessions and FaceTime calls have replaced, or at least supplanted, face to face interactions, considering integrating virtual options into your holiday plans is at least worth thinking about. Especially if you have older family members or immunocompromised individuals in your life who you generally spend time with during the holidays, opting for some virtual interactions might be the way to go to make sure everyone stays safe. Going virtual can also give people who may not be comfortable with in-person interactions a way to still feel included. Luckily, technology makes it easy for us to connect to people around the world at the touch of a button. If you do choose to interact with people in person, remember to wear a mask and follow all other CDC recommended protocols.
Think ahead
Whether you are hosting guests or going to see friends or relatives, planning ahead to make sure you are being safe this holiday season is essential. The CDC recommends restricting your contact to people within your household for 14 days before attending any in-person holiday events. While quarantining may not be an ideal holiday activity, it’s important to make sure everyone stays safe. Even if you aren’t planning on attending large group gatherings, being upfront about how much social distancing you adhere to can help everybody make informed decisions about their own health.
Communicate
Although everyone is going through the COVID-19 pandemic together, it’s important to remember and acknowledge that we all have had different experiences. Ensuring that you consider everyone’s comfort levels when planning get-togethers and other social interactions can avoid people feeling pressured to do something they aren’t comfortable doing. The best way to avoid this is to check in periodically as you make plans. Normalizing discussions about how much social interactions individuals are comfortable with can help take some of the stress out of the planning. Even if you are comfortable being in social settings, that doesn’t mean everyone else is. For example, while you might see going out to eat as a harmless activity, some people might only be comfortable with restaurant dining if that restaurant offers outdoor seating. Similarly, someone else might not be comfortable with that at all. Reassuring friends and family that their different levels of comfort are okay is an important step to making the holidays enjoyable for all.
Holidays this year will inevitably look different, but that doesn’t mean they have to have less cheer. By following CDC regulations and making sure to keep an open mind and an open heart, we can all enjoy a safe, festive holiday break.
