Despite strong efforts and hopeful wishes, it doesn’t look like the COVID-19 pandemic will be over for the 2020 holiday season. In the meantime, try these tips to make sure you and your family stay safe and healthy while you celebrate.
Shop Online
As much as you might miss the festive displays and holiday music, 2020 is not a good year to do your Christmas shopping at the mall. Instead, stay nice and warm at home while you complete your shopping in the online marketplace. Many stores have a gift option that will let you ship presents straight to your relatives’ homes, complete with wrapping paper and a gift receipt.
If you do need to get something in person, consider opting for curbside pickup. Coronavirus spreads quickly indoors, so you’re much safer interacting in the fresh and frosty air.
Connect Virtually
Holiday gatherings simply won’t be the same size this year, but that doesn’t mean you need to feel alone. Plan to meet up with your family or your friend group in a Skype call or Zoom meeting. Consider asking everyone to display a few holiday decorations on camera to make the setting more festive. If you’re tech savvy, you can also spice things up with a holiday-themed Zoom background.
Share Memories
You might be in different places, but you and your family can still spend the holidays together by recreating the same memories in your own homes. Consider asking everyone in the family to do the same holiday activity, like making a gingerbread house or playing the same classic Christmas album. You can also try sharing recipes, watching the same movies, or even just decorating your trees on the same day. Don’t forget to take pictures so that everyone in the family can participate in the fun.
Travel Carefully
The CDC is recommending that everyone stay home for the holidays, but as of November, they haven’t laid down a travel ban. If you’re desperate to see your relatives, follow these steps to make your trip as safe as possible:
Get tested. You should take a COVID-19 test both before and after your flight. That way, you’ll know that you’re not bringing COVID with you on the plane, and you’ll also make sure that you don’t pick it up at the airport.
Pack extra masks. Fresh masks are important, especially when you’re passing through public spaces. Be prepared to swap your mask every time you enter a new environment.
Bring your own everything. This year, don’t stop at the store between the hotel and your parents’ house. The shorter your route is, the less chance you’ll have of catching the virus.
This year’s holiday season will be different, but there’s no reason it can’t be merry. Call your loved ones, send thoughtful packages, and look forward to ringing in a safe and healthy new year.