The holiday season is just around the corner. While the holiday season is always filled with excitement, this year will be slightly different as we navigate the additional stress of preparing for the holidays during a pandemic.
While this holiday season will look different from other years, we can still find ways to celebrate with our loved ones and make the most of our time together. We may even find new ways to celebrate and appreciate the simple moments with those we love.
Below are just a few tips to consider if you would like to celebrate with loved ones safely and don’t know where to start.
Check local laws about gathering sizes.
In some states, there are still limitations on how many people can gather at a residence. Before hosting an event, make sure to check that you are complying with local laws.
Communicate with your friends and family prior to the event.
The most important thing you can do is communicate with your loved ones about your expectations. Perhaps you’d feel more comfortable if your family members from out of state stayed home this year or quarantined nearby before visiting. Maybe you’d like to hear about the safety precautions they are taking in their everyday lives and who they are spending time with. By communicating your boundaries and needs, you can make sure you are all on the same page, managing expectations and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Consider a few safety measures during the event
There are a few simple steps you can take to make guests feel safer at your event and minimize the risk. Consider shortening the length of your gathering and/or reducing the guest count. You can encourage people to wash their hands upon arrival, social distance when appropriate, and wear masks. Gatherings with more preventative measures pose less of a risk to you and your family.
Host in an open space.
If weather permits, consider hosting your family and friends outdoors. You can even plan a small socially distanced gathering in a local park.
Host an online event.
There are plenty of ways to host remote events online for those who aren’t comfortable gathering in person yet. Online events can be just as entertaining and fun as those you host in person. You can set up a family video call and play Trivia games, follow a recipe together, or even host a happy hour at a designated time. There are plenty of ways to bring your family and friends together even when you’re apart.
Get creative!
Consider what is most important to you and what makes the holidays feel truly special. Do you absolutely love cooking or baking for your loved ones, but don’t feel comfortable hosting a dinner? With a little extra planning, you can host an online cooking course where everyone follows along with a recipe. Or perhaps you can make a large batch of baked goods and schedule times to drop them off at the homes of your loved ones, or even send them in the mail to your family out of town.