While the US has made great strides in its vaccination efforts, we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and you may be wondering whether it is safe to gather with your family for the holidays this year. The CDC has issued updated recommendations for how to celebrate the holidays safely this year, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks when indoors, avoiding crowds, and staying home if sick. In addition, the CDC has updated their travel guidelines to help you decide what is best for you and your family, but still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
Safely celebrating the holidays will require creativity and concessions again this year.
Take it outside – If you still plan to spend the holiday with family, gather outdoors with a small group. Practice social distancing and wear a mask when not eating, and have one masked person plate and serve the food to avoid everyone touching the serving utensils.
Keep it brief – Gather in small groups to briefly share what you’re thankful for, visit for a short while, and then go home to enjoy dinner.
Virtual exercise – For many, a well-loved tradition is participating in a turkey trot with family and friends to burn calories before the afternoon festivities. While in-person events are cancelled, there are many organizations participating in virtual races, walks and classes.
Family bakeoff – Families can continue to cook together, either baking the secret family recipes together via Zoom, or each family making a dish that is then portioned per family ahead of time. The group can then meet outdoors, pick up the food, and then safely celebrate at their respective homes. It’s even better if you share extra food and treats with those who may be celebrating alone.
Practice gratitude – While we may have to reach a little farther to find it this year, research has shown that being grateful reduces anxiety and depression. Take the opportunity to think about things for which you are grateful. Reach out to friends and family to share with them how they have positively impacted your life.
Do something for others – With so many in need, if you are in a financial position to donate a holiday meal or safely volunteer at your local foodbank, doing so can also benefit you. In addition to helping others, your own mental health and wellness can be positively impacted. In fact, the American Psychological Association has found that it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness.
Check in on your people – As many will be missing the mother of all family dinners, loneliness and isolation will be exacerbated. Make a plan to reach out to those friends and family members who may be alone to wish them happy holidays and check on their well-being.
In addition to creatively celebrating, it may also help to keep in mind that the inability to gather for important events and holidays is only temporary. We are nearing a light at the end of the tunnel. Given the recent news that children ages 5 years and older are now eligible for vaccinations, it’s more important now than ever that we all do our parts to remain cautious, considerate and vigilant to avoid getting infected or infecting others. Continue to stay the course: social distance, wear masks, wash your hands and avoid unnecessary trips or exposure so that in the fall of 2022, your table will once again be filled with family and friends around it as we celebrate our important traditions.
