It is important to spend time with your loved ones, especially this year. However, it is equally important to stay safe and reduce your chances of contracting the SARS-COV-2 virus, also known as COVID-19. This novel coronavirus has rapidly spread across the world, infecting millions since March. The best way to combat the spread of the virus is to stay home and socially distance. However, this is not possible for everyone, and constant isolation, especially from loved ones, can take a toll on one’s mental health. As the holiday season approaches, here are some tips to keep you and your family safe during this unusual time.
1.Host A Virtual Dinner Party
Hosting a virtual dinner party over platforms such as Zoom, Facetime, or Facebook is a great way to spend the holidays with all your loved ones and keep the risk of transmission low. With this method, you can spend the holidays with as many people as you would like while maintaining the safety of yourself and others. Bonus: you don’t have to spend hours driving or cooking for a large party!
2. Shop from Home
Avoiding large, crowded areas such as the mall is key in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Nowadays, online shopping has become a staple in many of our lives, especially when giving gifts during this season. In fact, many of the best deals are found online rather than going in-person to the mall. If time is a concern, some stores offer free delivery or quick shipping for easier gift giving! Remember, if gifting in person, contactless delivery is the best way to gift this season: leave the item on the doorstep or porch of the recipient while they are home.
3. Deliver Food to Your Friends and Family
Even if you can’t host or attend a dinner party in person, you can still enjoy the one thing that brings everyone together: food! Preparing food for your loved ones and delivering it (without contact) can brighten their holiday without putting them at risk. Pack the food in a well-insulated container and leave it at the recipient’s doorstep; make sure that your loved one is home so that their meal isn’t sitting out for too long (food safety is very important). Your neighbors would appreciate this gesture too! It is difficult getting through the holidays and COVID-19 alone, but a home-cooked meal is always a good way to spread the love and cheer without spreading the virus.
4. Bring It Outside
If having an in-person get-together is a must, it is best to host it in an outdoor setting. Meeting friends and family outdoors allows for proper social distancing and minimizes the risk of infection. Use disposable plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery to avoid contact with droplets. Having a tent outside with outdoor heaters is good for particularly cold holidays. It is also a good idea to ask your guests to isolate for 14 days prior to their visit, and to have plenty of hand sanitizer and extra masks available. Better safe than sorry!
5. Celebrate in Your Car
There are many fun holiday activities to partake in with your family, all from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle. Many neighborhoods have festive displays with lights and decorations during this season; there might be a special holiday drive-thru display in your town as well! Other activities include drive-in movies, trunk-or-treating, and drive-by gatherings. Participating in a drive-thru activity with your family is a fun pastime that keeps everyone safe during this pandemic.
Trying to celebrate the holidays during this COVID-19 outbreak can be difficult. It is important to celebrate what we have during these times. Having events to look forward to can boost your mental health. However, safety is important too. This year celebrate the holidays with the ones you love without putting anyone at risk.
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